The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured residents of Igbokoda, Ondo State, that it will work with relevant authorities to address environmental concerns following an aircraft crash in the area.
The assurance came amid complaints from residents about an offensive odour and fears that the crash could pose risks to public health and the environment.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the service recognised the concerns raised by the affected community and was taking them seriously.
“The NAF recognises the discomfort, anxiety and uncertainty such circumstances may cause and assures the affected community that their concerns are being taken seriously,” he said.
Ejodame explained that search and recovery operations were still ongoing, with the Air Force working alongside relevant partner agencies to recover the wreckage safely and in an orderly manner.
He said the NAF would engage environmental and public health authorities after the recovery operation to assess the situation and determine the appropriate response to any environmental concerns identified.
“Upon completion of the recovery operation, it will engage with the appropriate environmental and public health authorities and other relevant agencies to assess the situation and coordinate appropriate action to address any identified environmental concerns,” the statement said.
The Air Force also pledged to maintain contact with relevant stakeholders to ensure that residents’ concerns about their safety and wellbeing were addressed.
“The NAF remains concerned about the wellbeing of the affected community and is committed to constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure that appropriate measures are taken in the interest of public health, safety and environmental wellbeing,” Ejodame said.
The NAF did not state the cause of the reported odour or confirm whether the crash had caused environmental contamination. Its planned assessment is expected to help establish whether any environmental or public health risks require further action.
