The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has assured families of personnel killed in the October 5, 2026, aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State, that their salaries will continue until their death benefits are fully paid to their next of kin.
The assurance was given on Wednesday during a meeting with the bereaved families, where the Air Force also provided updates on recovery operations, the ongoing investigation and welfare arrangements for dependants of the deceased personnel.
In a statement posted on its X handle, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the engagement was part of efforts to address the families’ concerns and provide continued support following the crash involving the NAF 931 ATR 42-500 aircraft.
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 service’s condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of the affected families.
He said the decision to sustain the deceased personnel’s salaries was aimed at providing financial stability for their dependants while the processing and payment of death benefits continued.
Gabkwet also assured the families that the Air Force’s responsibility would extend beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, promising sustained engagement throughout the recovery and administrative processes.
On the recovery operation, he explained that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the crash site had created significant technical and logistical challenges, requiring dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation.
He said the Air Force would continue working with relevant agencies to sustain recovery efforts and support a thorough investigation into the accident.
The service also pledged not to speculate on the cause of the crash until the available evidence had been properly examined.
To address the emotional toll of the tragedy, the NAF facilitated engagements between the bereaved families and its Christian chaplains and Muslim imams for prayers, spiritual guidance and pastoral care.
A consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, also provided psychological support through individual interactions and counselling sessions.
The meeting allowed the families to raise concerns and seek clarification on the crash, recovery operations and welfare arrangements.
Reaffirming the Air Force’s commitment to accountability and transparency, Aneke said the concerns of the families and the dignity of the deceased personnel would remain central to the service’s response.
The NAF also promised 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.
The service said it would continue supporting the affected families, sustaining recovery operations and facilitating a credible investigation while ensuring that the deceased personnel were treated with dignity and compassion.
