The Nigerian Air Force says it will continue paying the salaries of personnel who died in the October 5, 2026, crash involving its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda in Ondo State, until their death benefits are fully paid to their next of kin.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, gave the assurance during a meeting with the bereaved families on October 28, as the Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to their welfare and provided updates on the ongoing recovery operation and investigation.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, conveyed the Air Force’s condolences and assured the families that its support would continue beyond the immediate response to the tragedy.
He said the continued salary payments were directed by the Chief of the Air Staff as part of a welfare policy intended to provide financial stability for dependants while the applicable death benefits are being processed.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Air Force to explain the challenges facing the recovery operation and update the families on the investigation into the crash.
Gabkwet said the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the crash site had created technical and logistical challenges, requiring dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation.
He assured the families that recovery efforts would continue in collaboration with relevant agencies, adding that the Air Force would support a thorough, evidence-based investigation.
The NAF said it would not speculate on the cause of the accident until the relevant evidence had been properly examined.
Beyond the operational response, the Air Force said it had arranged spiritual and psychological support for the affected families. Christian chaplains and Muslim imams were made available to provide prayers, pastoral care and spiritual guidance, while consultant psychologist Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku conducted individual interactions and counselling sessions.
The families were also given the opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions about the crash, the recovery operation and welfare arrangements.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to accountability and continued communication, Aneke said the grief and concerns of the families would remain central to the Air Force’s response.
The NAF added that it would maintain 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 October 5 crash involving NAF 931 occurred at Igbokoda, Ondo State. The Air Force says it remains committed to supporting the bereaved families, sustaining recovery efforts and facilitating a credible investigation into the accident.
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