‎NAF Crash: Fish Scarcity, Rising Prices Hit Ondo Riverine Communities

‎Fishermen and fish traders in Igbokoda, the headquarters of the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, are counting their losses as fish scarcity, rising prices, and fears of water pollution disrupt their businesses following the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in the area.

‎The crash, which occurred on October 5, claimed the lives of 25 people, including 5 crew members and 20 passengers. Recovery operations have continued at the swampy site. At the same time, concerns over foul odour and possible water pollution have heightened fears among residents who rely on the surrounding waterways for their livelihoods.

‎Fishing is a major occupation in Igbokoda and other riverine communities in Ilaje Local Government Area, with many residents depending on the business for their daily income. The disruption of fishing activities following the crash has therefore raised concerns among fishermen and traders whose livelihoods depend on the waterways.

‎Residents have also raised concerns about a foul odour around the crash site, with fears about potential effects on the surrounding waterways and on the safety of communities that depend on them.

‎The development has affected fishing activities, with some fishermen reportedly travelling farther from Igbokoda to catch fish, while traders say reduced supplies have made it difficult to meet customers’ demands.

‎A fish trader, Bidemi Ikuesan, said she returned home empty-handed after visiting the Igbokoda fish market last Sunday because of the shortage.

‎”Last Sunday, I went to the market to buy fish, but very small quantities were available at the market in Igbokoda because we learnt that the fishermen did not go to the water to fish due to the incident that happened,” she said.

‎Another fish trader, Tosin, said the scarcity had pushed up prices, increasing the cost of purchasing fish at the market.

‎”Last week, when I went to the Igbokoda fish market, I bought fish at a higher price. Fish that would normally cost around N20,000 was sold for over N35,000 because fishermen said they were unable to get the quantity of fish they usually catch,” Tosin lamented.

‎A fisherman, who identified himself as Monday Ikulajolu, attributed the difficulty in catching fish around Igbokoda to what he described as the deteriorating condition of the water following the crash.

‎He said he now had to travel farther on the waterways in search of better catches, a development he described as stressful and damaging to his business.

‎”We could not get better fish around this area again because the water has spoiled due to the plane crash. I have to go very far from the area to catch better fish, and this is very strenuous unlike before.

‎”In fact, something has to be done about this matter. It is affecting our business,” he said.

‎Beyond the economic losses, concerns have mounted over the environmental implications of the crash, particularly the reported foul odour around the site and fears about the condition of the surrounding waterways.

‎The military has continued recovery operations at the crash site, where the aircraft wreckage and human remains have been the focus of efforts following the disaster. However, human remains and parts of the plane wreckage were still trapped in the swamp days after the incident.