By Dayo Johnson, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered the immediate fumigation of the river at Igbokoda following complaints of offensive odour and concerns about possible pollution after last week’s Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash.
The directive was disclosed in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Idowu Ajanaku.
According to the statement, the governor directed the Ministries of Environment and Health to jointly carry out an extensive fumigation exercise to reduce potential health risks and prevent possible outbreaks of water-borne diseases.
Residents had raised concerns over a strong stench emanating from the river following the crash, expressing fears that decomposing materials and aviation fuel residue could contaminate the waterway, which is important for fishing and domestic activities in the coastal community.
Ajanaku said the governor was concerned about the possible health and livelihood implications for residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities, prompting the intervention.
As a precaution, Aiyedatiwa also directed the Ilaje Local Government Council to deploy water tankers to affected areas to provide households with clean drinking water if laboratory assessments confirmed severe pollution of the river.
The statement said the water supply arrangement would remain in place until measures were implemented to address any confirmed contamination and restore the river to safe use.
To further reduce potential health risks, the governor directed the two ministries to distribute nose masks and other essential health and safety kits to residents, particularly those living close to the crash site.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Air Force in its ongoing recovery and evacuation operations while prioritising the safety and welfare of affected communities.
He assured residents that the government was monitoring the situation and would take additional measures where necessary to protect public health.
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