The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that it will continue to pay the salaries of personnel killed in the October 5, 2026, crash of its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State. This assurance was given during a meeting with bereaved families on October 28, as the Service pledged continued financial, administrative, psychological, and spiritual support. The meeting aimed to address the concerns of the families, provide updates on the recovery operation and investigation, and outline welfare arrangements for dependants of the victims.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, the decision to sustain salary payments was part of the Service's commitment to supporting the families beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, represented the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the meeting. Gabkwet conveyed the Chief of the Air Staff's condolences to the families and reaffirmed the Air Force's commitment to their welfare.
The Air Force said that the salaries of the deceased personnel will continue to be paid until their death benefits are fully settled in favour of their next of kin. This measure is intended to provide financial stability for the dependants while the relevant benefits are being processed. The NAF stated that the directive is consistent with a welfare policy introduced by the Chief of the Air Staff, which places the well-being of personnel and their families at the centre of the Service's administrative and operational responsibilities.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Air Force to brief the families on recovery operations at the crash site and the ongoing investigation into the accident. Gabkwet explained that the swampy and waterlogged terrain at Igbokoda, coupled with difficult access to the location, had created significant technical and logistical challenges for the recovery teams. The conditions have necessitated dewatering operations, engineering support, and site stabilisation to facilitate recovery activities.
The Air Force assured the families that it would sustain the recovery efforts in collaboration with relevant agencies. It also pledged to support a thorough investigation based on available evidence, stressing that it would not speculate on the cause of the accident before the relevant evidence had been properly examined. The NAF has intensified search operations for victims and convened a 12-member specialist investigation board to probe the crash.
Beyond financial and administrative assistance, the Air Force said it had arranged psychological and spiritual support for the bereaved families to help them cope with the emotional consequences of the crash. The Service facilitated engagements with its Christian chaplains and Muslim imams, who provided prayers, spiritual guidance, and pastoral support to the affected families. It also engaged consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, to provide psychological assistance through individual interactions and counselling sessions.
The NAF also pledged to maintain open communication with the families and provide guidance on welfare and administrative matters. Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the Service's commitment to accountability and continued engagement with the families as recovery operations and investigations progress. The Air Force assured the families that their concerns would remain central to its response to the tragedy and that the dignity of their loved ones would be upheld.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force will continue to pay the salaries of personnel killed in the October 5, 2026, crash until their death benefits are fully paid.
- The Air Force has arranged psychological and spiritual support for the bereaved families.
- A thorough investigation into the crash will be conducted based on available evidence.
