The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured families of personnel who died in the October 5 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, that they will continue receiving the deceased personnel’s salaries until their death benefits are fully paid to their next of kin.
The assurance was given on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during a meeting between the Air Force leadership and bereaved families to address their concerns and provide updates on the recovery operation and investigation into the accident 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 supporting the families throughout the recovery and administrative processes.
According to the Air Force, the continued salary payments are intended to provide financial stability for dependants while the applicable death benefits are being processed. The measure reflects the service’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the families to receive updates on the ongoing recovery operation and investigation into the crash. Gabkwet explained that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the wreckage had created significant technical and logistical challenges, requiring dewatering, engineering assistance and site stabilisation.
The Air Force said recovery efforts would continue in collaboration with relevant agencies, adding that the investigation would be evidence-based. It also cautioned against speculation about the cause of the crash until investigators had examined the available evidence.
Beyond financial assistance, the NAF said it had facilitated access to spiritual and psychological support for the bereaved families. Christian chaplains and Muslim imams were made available to provide prayers and pastoral guidance, while consultant psychologist Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku offered counselling and psychological support.
The families were also given the opportunity to express their concerns and seek clarification about the accident, recovery efforts and welfare arrangements. The Air Force pledged to maintain communication with them through designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.
The crash occurred on October 5, 2026, near Igbokoda in Ondo State. The aircraft was a Nigerian Air Force ATR 42-500 operating a routine mission. The incident prompted condolences from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident.
The NAF reiterated that the welfare and dignity of the deceased personnel and their families would remain central to its response, promising continued assistance as recovery operations and investigations progress.
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