The traditional ruler of Igbokoda in Ondo State, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, has raised alarm over the pollution of the community’s water sources by decaying bodies from a Nigerian Air Force plane crash.

The monarch expressed concern that body parts floating in the river and the resulting stench pose a serious threat to residents who rely on the water for drinking and domestic use.

“The pieces are floating everywhere in our rivers, decaying and leaving so much stench and odour that is unbelievable,” he said.

The NAF aircraft crashed into a swamp near Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, while on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos. All 25 people on board were killed.

Oba Odidiomo explained that the river where the plane went down supplies water to the community. Water is pumped to a treatment facility at Aboto, about seven kilometres away, for processing before use.

He warned that pollution from the decaying remains, possible aviation fuel and other debris could already be affecting the water source.

The traditional ruler also noted that fish in the river were dying and that children who previously swam in the water now find the area frightening due to the visible human remains.

He called for an urgent clean-up of the affected water body to prevent a possible epidemic and protect the health of residents.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed the fumigation of the river and the distribution of potable water, nose masks and health kits to residents in response to the concerns.