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The Ondo state government has directed the Ministries of Environment and Health to commence extensive fumigation of the river in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje local government area, following complaints by residents about a strong stench emanating from the waterway where a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed last week.
The directive, issued by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is aimed at preventing potential health risks and safeguarding residents from possible disease outbreaks arising from suspected environmental pollution.
The river serves as a major source of livelihood for residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities, many of whom depend on it for their daily economic activities.
As part of the emergency response, the governor also directed the Ilaje local government to arrange water tankers for the regular distribution of potable water to residents if assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsafe for domestic use.
The arrangement, according to the directive, will remain in place pending a lasting intervention to address the pollution and protect public health.
Governor Aiyedatiwa further instructed the Ministries of Health and Environment to distribute nose masks and other essential health kits to residents as precautionary measures against potential environmental hazards associated with the incident.
The measures followed concerns raised by residents over the unpleasant odour from the crash site, with fears mounting over the possible impact on public health and the river-dependent livelihoods of the local population.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing the necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force in its ongoing evacuation and recovery operations.
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