The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has substantially reduced the water level at the site of its crashed ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as recovery operations entered their 14th day on Monday.
Aircraft NAF 931 crashed into a swamp in Igbokoda on October 5 while operating a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
All 25 people on board – five crew members and 20 passengers – died in the crash, with the NAF confirming that there were no survivors.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force said continuous pumping had significantly lowered the water level at the crash site.
According to the NAF, recovery personnel were working to remove most of the remaining water, subject to prevailing operational and environmental conditions.
Workers are also reinforcing the embankment surrounding the site with sandbags to prevent a possible collapse and maintain stability throughout the dewatering process.
The Air Force described the recovery as a complex operation requiring sustained engineering and dewatering efforts in difficult conditions.
Meanwhile, concerns have continued to mount in Igbokoda over possible environmental and public health implications of the crash.
Residents have reported a persistent offensive odour around the crash site, while the traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Afolabi Odidiomo, has expressed concern over the possibility of unrecovered human remains and contamination of local water sources.
Odidiomo had earlier warned that the swamp was connected to a river system that supplies water to the community, including the water treatment facility at Aboto, located about seven kilometres from Igbokoda.
Residents have also raised concerns about possible pollution from aviation fuel following the crash.
Responding to the concerns, the Ondo State Government directed its ministries of Environment and Health to intervene, including through fumigation of affected areas.
Government also ordered preparations for the distribution of potable water if investigations establish that the affected river is unsuitable for human use. It further directed the provision of nose masks and other health kits to residents.
NAF had previously acknowledged the concerns raised by the community and said it would engage relevant environmental and public health authorities after the recovery operation to assess the situation and coordinate appropriate measures.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended members of the recovery team for their resilience and professionalism, while reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to completing the operation safely and methodically.
The Air Force said the recovery exercise was also being conducted in support of the ongoing investigation into the aircraft accident.
It also expressed appreciation to partner agencies and Hitech Construction Company for their contributions to the operation.
The NAF extended its condolences to families of those who died in the crash, acknowledging the pain and anguish caused by the tragedy.
It thanked the Igbokoda community and other stakeholders for their patience and cooperation, promising to provide timely and verified updates as recovery efforts continue.
