Nigerian Air Force ATR crash kills 25, communities petition over pollution
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A Nigerian Air Force ATR 42‑500 crashed in the mangrove swamp at Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on 5 October, killing all 25 people on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers.
The affected communities submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu, signed by the Olu of Igbokoda, Afolabi Odidiomo, alleging environmental pollution from the crash; the petition was sent through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and copied to the Chief of Air Staff, the Ministers of Defence and Environment, the directors‑general of NESREA and NEMA, and the Ondo State governor. The Ondo State Government directed its Ministries of Environment and Health to begin fumigation of the water and to supply clean water to residents, and agencies are expected to provide nose masks and health kits while an environmental assessment of water, sediment and aquatic life is requested.
Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau investigators, Nigerian Navy divers and other responders are conducting intensive underwater search and recovery operations, using hydrographic surveys, satellite SAR imagery, mud excavation and continuous water pumping, with the state providing heavy‑duty swamp buggies; Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke visited the site and assured families of a comprehensive investigation.