The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured families of personnel killed in the October 5, 2026, aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State, that the salaries of the deceased will continue until their death benefits are fully paid to their next of kin.
The assurance was given on Wednesday, October 28, during a meeting with the bereaved families to address their concerns, provide welfare support and update them on recovery operations and the ongoing investigation into 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 Air Force’s condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the families.
Gabkwet said Aneke had directed that the deceased personnel’s salaries should continue until their death benefits were fully paid to their next of kin.
According to the NAF, the measure is intended to provide financial stability for dependants while the applicable benefits are being processed, as part of the service’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel and their families.
“The Nigerian Air Force stands with you, and our thoughts and prayers remain with every family affected by this tragedy,” Gabkwet said.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Air Force to brief the families on recovery efforts and the investigation into the accident.
Gabkwet explained that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the crash site had created significant technical and logistical challenges. These have necessitated dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation to facilitate recovery operations.
He assured the families that the Air Force would sustain the operation in collaboration with relevant agencies and support a thorough, evidence-based investigation.
The NAF stressed that it would not speculate on the cause of the crash until the available evidence had been properly examined.
The October 5 accident involved an ATR 42-500 aircraft operating as NAF 931. The aircraft crashed near Igbokoda while undertaking a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. The incident prompted a search-and-rescue operation and a subsequent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning following the crash and directed that the circumstances of the accident be investigated.
Beyond the financial assurances, the Air Force arranged spiritual and psychological support for the bereaved families. Christian chaplains and Muslim imams provided prayers, guidance and pastoral care, while consultant psychologist Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku offered psychological support through individual interactions and counselling sessions.
The families were also given the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and seek clarification on the accident, recovery efforts and welfare arrangements.
The NAF further pledged to maintain communication with the affected families and provide guidance on administrative and welfare matters through designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.
The continued salary payments are intended to support dependants during the period required to process and settle the applicable death benefits. The Air Force has also pledged to continue recovery operations and support a credible investigation into the crash.
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