.png)
By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured families of personnel who died in the October 5, 2026, crash involving its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, that their salaries will continue to be paid until their death benefits are fully settled.
The assurance was given on Wednesday, October 28, during an engagement between the Service and the bereaved families to address their concerns and provide updates on the recovery operation and investigation into the accident.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, conveyed the Air Chief’s condolences and reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting the affected families.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement, he said the Service’s responsibility extended beyond the immediate response to the tragedy, assuring the families that they would continue to receive necessary support.
As part of measures to cushion the financial impact of the loss, Aneke directed that the salaries of the deceased personnel should continue until their death benefits are fully paid to their next of kin.
The policy, according to the NAF, is intended to provide financial stability for dependants while the applicable benefits are being processed.
Gabkwet also briefed the families on the ongoing recovery operation, explaining that the swampy and waterlogged terrain at the crash site had created significant technical and logistical challenges.
He said the difficult conditions had necessitated dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation, adding that the NAF would continue working with relevant agencies to sustain recovery efforts.
On the investigation, he assured the families that the Service would support a thorough, evidence-based process and would not speculate on the cause of the accident until the relevant evidence had been properly examined.
The NAF also provided spiritual and psychological support to the bereaved families through Christian chaplains, Muslim imams and counselling sessions facilitated by consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku.
The families were equally given the opportunity to express their concerns and seek clarification on the accident, recovery operations and welfare arrangements.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to accountability and continued engagement, Aneke assured the families that their concerns would be addressed and the dignity of their deceased loved ones upheld.
The NAF further pledged to maintain open communication with the families and provide guidance on welfare and administrative matters through designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.