Igbokoda Communities Urge Tinubu to Address Plane Crash Pollution

Communities in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have written to President Bola Tinubu about pollution caused by a Nigerian Air Force plane crash in their area on October 5.

The petition was signed by the Olu of Igbokoda, Afolabi Odidiomo, on behalf of the communities. It was sent to the president through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The petition also included copies for the Chief of Air Staff, the Ministers of Defence and Environment, the Director-General of NESREA, the Director-General of NEMA, and the Governor of Ondo State.

This petition comes after over a week of search and rescue efforts that have not managed to recover the bodies of the 25 people who died when the plane went down into a swamp.

On the same day, the Ondo State Government directed its Ministries of Environment and Health to start fumigating the water and supplying clean water to the community. This was a quick response to the suspected water pollution caused by the crash.

The agencies are also expected to provide nose masks and health kits to protect residents from any dangers that may arise from the crash.

The communities made it clear that the petition is not meant to influence the ongoing investigations or blame anyone. Instead, it is a request for public interest on behalf of residents who may have been affected by the crash and its aftermath.

They raised concerns not just about the immediate effects of the crash but also about the recovery of the aircraft and human remains. They worry about possible leaks of aviation fuel or other harmful substances and their impact on local waters, aquatic life, and people who rely on them for their livelihoods.

"Reports about submerged wreckage and possible fuel leakage have added to these worries. We need proper investigation and scientific testing to find out the real extent of any contamination, not just assumptions," the petition stated in part.

"Our people should not have to guess about the safety of their waters or suffer the consequences of federal government aircraft incidents.

"The potential that aviation fuel, lubricants, or other substances may have contaminated local waters needs urgent attention.

"We are asking for an environmental assessment by qualified personnel, with input from relevant federal and state authorities, which should include:

a. Collecting and testing water and sediment samples from the crash site and affected areas.

b. Checking the surrounding aquatic environment for signs of contamination.

c. Evaluating any effects on fish and other aquatic life and fishing grounds.

d. Identifying any ongoing sources of contamination, like leaks from the submerged wreckage.

e. Determining if the affected waters are safe for fishing, domestic use, or other activities.

f. Suggesting ways to contain, clean up, and restore the area to a safe condition.

"The findings, including test results, should be shared with the affected communities, subject to any lawful restrictions for genuine operational or security reasons."

The communities also requested that until the relevant tests are done, residents should get clear advice on precautions about possibly affected waters and aquatic products.

"We ask that the relevant health and environmental agencies:

a. Assess any immediate or potential health risks from the incident.

b. Advise residents on using water and consuming fish or aquatic products from the affected areas.

c. Provide medical assessments and treatment for anyone suspected of related illness.

d. Set up a way for residents to report suspected health effects and get reliable information.

e. Arrange for further monitoring if a continuing risk is found," the petition stated.

On the recovery of the aircraft and human remains, the petition requested updates on the recovery operation, including the condition and location of any wreckage and steps being taken to recover outstanding human remains, while ensuring safety and environmental protection.

"Any human remains yet to be recovered should get urgent and respectful attention," the petition said.

The petitioners pointed out that Igbokoda residents rely on local waters for their livelihoods. They asked for an assessment of the economic impact, including identifying affected fishing grounds and activities. They want to know who has been affected, any verified losses of equipment or income, and any extra expenses caused by the incident.

They further requested that if contamination is confirmed, relevant authorities should:

1. Contain and remove any identified pollution sources.

1. Secure wreckage to prevent further harm.

1. Clean up affected areas using safe methods.

1. Restore the areas as much as possible.

1. Monitor water quality after the initial cleanup.

In their demand for compensation, the petitioners asked for a transparent and fair claims process for anyone who can show loss or injury due to the incident. This includes damage to property, loss of income, reasonable expenses, personal injury, and other losses recognized by law.

Summarizing their requests, the communities said, "We respectfully ask the federal government, through the right institutions and in collaboration with the Ondo State Government -

i. Acknowledge this petition and name an office to coordinate the response.

ii. Provide updates on wreckage and human remains recovery.

iii. Organize an independent environmental assessment of the crash site and local waters.

iv. Investigate fuel leakage or other contamination and control any hazards.

v. Collect and analyze environmental samples and share findings.

vi. Issue proper health advice.

vii. Provide medical assessments and help to affected individuals.

viii. Implement a cleanup and restoration plan if contamination is found.

ix. Set up follow-up monitoring.

x. Assess the effects on local livelihoods.

xi. Establish a fair and accessible compensation claims process.

xii. Consider immediate assistance for proven urgent hardship.

xiii. Appoint a liaison officer for Igbokoda and affected communities.

xiv. Give regular updates and a clear timetable.

xv. Ensure proper coordination between agencies.

We respectfully request a detailed written response within thirty (30) days after receipt. This should include what steps have been taken, who is responsible for each task, measures for immediate risks, and a timetable. We understand that a full investigation and cleanup may take longer than 30 days.