The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured households of the victims of NAF 931,ATR 42-500 which crashed at Igbokoda Ondo State on 5 October 2026 that their salaries will proceed to run till loss of life advantages are totally paid.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet gave the peace of mind throughout an engagement with the bereaved households on 28 October 2026.
He assured the households that the NAF would maintain restoration efforts in collaboration with related businesses and “support a thorough, evidence-based investigation, stressing that the Service would not speculate on the cause of the accident until the relevant evidence had been properly examined”.
He defined that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and troublesome entry to the crash web site had introduced important technical and logistical challenges, necessitating dewatering, engineering help and web site stabilisation.
He assertion by the NAF Spokesman Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame mentioned the engagement is a part of ongoing efforts to supply help, tackle issues and hold them knowledgeable concerning the restoration operation and investigation.
AVM Gabkwet conveyed the CAS’s heartfelt condolences and reaffirmed the Service’s solidarity with the households.
He emphasised that the NAF’s accountability extends past the instant response to the tragedy, assuring them of the Service’s continued help. “The Nigerian Air Force stands with you, and our thoughts and prayers remain with every family affected by this tragedy,” he mentioned.
He revealed that the CAS has “directed that the salaries of the deceased personnel will continue to be paid until their death benefits are fully paid to their next of kin (NOK),”.
The defined that the measure, consistent with a welfare coverage initiated by the CAS, is designed to supply monetary stability for dependants whereas the relevant advantages are being processed.
He added that the gesture 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 households stay integral to sustaining morale, dedication and mission readiness.
The assertion mentioned the NAF facilitated engagements between the bereaved households and its non secular leaders, together with Christian chaplains and Muslim imams, to supply religious steerage, prayers and pastoral help throughout this troublesome interval.
It added {that a} famend advisor psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, offered psychological help by way of particular person interactions and counselling periods.
“The families were also given the opportunity to air their views, express personal concerns and make direct enquiries regarding the accident, recovery efforts and welfare arrangements,” he mentioned .
The CAS assured the households that “your grief matters, your questions matter, and the dignity of your loved ones will remain central to our response to this tragedy.”
These engagements underscored the NAF’s dedication to addressing the households’ emotional, religious and sensible wants with compassion and sensitivity.
The NAF additional pledged to take care of open communication and supply steerage on welfare and administrative issues by way of designated liaison channels, together with the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.
The Service stays dedicated to supporting the bereaved households, sustaining restoration efforts and facilitating a reputable investigation, whereas guaranteeing that the reminiscence of the fallen personnel is honoured with dignity, compassion and concrete motion.
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