Communities in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have petitioned President Bola Tinubu over fears of environmental and public health consequences from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash that killed 25 people in the area.
The petition, signed by the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, on behalf of the affected communities, was submitted through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Copies were sent to the Chief of Air Staff, the Ministers of Defence and Environment, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ondo State governor.
The development comes amid concerns over the condition of the waterways around the crash site, where recovery operations have continued since the NAF ATR-42 aircraft went down on October 5.
NAF 931 was travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed into a swamp near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The Air Force later confirmed that all 25 people aboard – five crew members and 20 passengers – died in the accident.
Community concerns have intensified over possible contamination from aviation fuel, lubricants and other substances from the submerged aircraft, as well as the recovery of human remains.
Residents have also complained about an offensive odour from the crash area, prompting the Ondo State Government to direct its Ministries of Environment and Health to commence extensive fumigation and provide nose masks and other health kits.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa also directed Ilaje Local Government to arrange tankers for the supply of potable water if assessments establish that the river is severely polluted and unsafe for use.
In their petition, however, the communities stressed that they were not seeking to prejudge ongoing investigations or assign liability.
Rather, they said their demands were made in the public interest and to protect residents who could be affected by the consequences of the crash.
They called for an independent environmental assessment involving competent personnel and relevant federal and state agencies.
Among other things, they requested the collection and laboratory analysis of water and sediment samples from the crash site and potentially affected areas, examination of aquatic ecosystems, assessment of possible effects on fish and other aquatic organisms, and identification of any continuing source of contamination.
They also asked authorities to determine whether the affected waters are safe for fishing, domestic use and other activities.
“Reports concerning submerged wreckage and possible fuel leakage have heightened these concerns,” the petition stated, stressing that the actual extent of any contamination should be established through scientific testing rather than assumption.
The communities further demanded that findings, including laboratory test results, be made available to affected residents, subject to legitimate security or operational restrictions.
On public health, the petitioners asked relevant agencies to assess immediate and potential health risks, advise residents on the use of affected water and consumption of fish or other aquatic products, and provide medical assessment and treatment for anyone suspected of exposure-related illness.
They also called for a mechanism through which residents could report suspected health effects and receive reliable information, alongside continued monitoring where any risk persists.
On the recovery operation, the communities requested regular updates on the location and condition of the remaining wreckage and the steps being taken to recover outstanding human remains.
“Any human remains yet to be recovered should receive urgent and respectful attention,” they said.
The petitioners also highlighted the economic implications of the crash, noting that Igbokoda residents depend heavily on the surrounding waterways for their livelihoods.
They requested an assessment of fishing grounds and other economic activities affected by the crash or restrictions around the site, as well as verification of losses involving fishing equipment, stock, income, property and additional expenses arising from the incident.
Where contamination is established, the communities want authorities to contain and remove the source, safely recover or secure the wreckage, clean affected locations and restore them as far as reasonably practicable.
They also demanded post-clean-up monitoring of water quality.
On compensation, the petitioners requested a transparent and accessible claims process for people able to establish losses or injuries attributable to the incident.
They said such compensation should cover property and equipment damage, loss of income, reasonable expenses, personal injury and other losses recognised by law.
Their broader demands include federal acknowledgement of the petition, an update on the recovery operation, an independent environmental assessment, investigation of possible fuel leakage, public health guidance, medical assistance, environmental remediation where necessary and continued monitoring.
They also asked the Federal Government to assess the impact on local livelihoods, establish a compensation mechanism, consider interim assistance for people facing proven immediate hardship, appoint a liaison officer for Igbokoda and affected communities, and provide periodic updates on the response.
The communities requested a substantive written response within 30 days of receipt of the petition, including details of actions already taken, agencies responsible for outstanding tasks, measures to address immediate risks and a timetable for further intervention.
The demand comes as the NAF said it will engage relevant environmental and public health authorities after completing the ongoing recovery operation.
The service has also constituted a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to establish the circumstances and cause of the crash and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence
