The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has reaffirmed its dedication to the welfare of families affected by the fifth October 2026 accident involving its ATR 42-500 plane, NAF 931 at Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Air Commodore, Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, at NAF, in an announcement,mentioned the peace of mind was given throughout an engagement with the bereaved families on 28 October 2026, as half of ongoing efforts to supply assist, deal with considerations and maintain them knowledgeable concerning the restoration operation and investigation.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, conveyed the CAS’s heartfelt condolences and reaffirmed the Service’s solidarity with the families.
He emphasised that the NAF’s accountability extends past the rapid response to the tragedy, assuring them of the Service’s continued assist.
“The Nigerian Air Force stands with you, and our thoughts and prayers remain with every family affected by this tragedy,” he mentioned.
As a sensible demonstration of this dedication, the CAS has directed that the salaries of the deceased personnel will proceed to be paid until their death benefits are fully paid to their subsequent of kin.
The measure, according to a welfare coverage initiated by the CAS, is designed to supply monetary stability for dependants whereas the relevant benefits are being processed.
It additionally displays the CAS’s emphasis on personnel welfare as a essential pillar of operational effectiveness, recognising that the well-being of personnel and the safety of their families stay integral to sustaining morale, dedication and mission readiness.
The engagement additionally offered a possibility to replace the families on the continuing restoration operation and investigation. AVM Gabkwet defined that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and tough entry to the crash website had introduced vital technical and logistical challenges, necessitating dewatering, engineering assist and website stabilisation.
He assured the families that NAF would maintain restoration efforts in collaboration with related businesses and assist a radical, evidence-based investigation, stressing that the Service wouldn’t speculate on the trigger of the accident until the related proof had been correctly examined.
Recognising the profound emotional and non secular impression of the tragedy, the NAF facilitated engagements between the bereaved families and its non secular leaders, together with Christian chaplains and Muslim imams, to supply non secular steering, prayers and pastoral assist throughout this tough interval.
In addition, famend marketing consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, offered psychological assist by particular person interactions and counselling periods.
The families had been additionally given the chance to air their views, specific private considerations and make direct enquiries concerning the accident, restoration efforts and welfare preparations.
Reaffirming the significance of accountability and sustained engagement, the CAS assured the families that “your grief matters, your questions matter, and the dignity of your loved ones will remain central to our response to this tragedy.”
The NAF additional pledged to keep up open communication and supply steering on welfare and administrative issues by designated liaison channels, together with the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.
