The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured the families of personnel who died in the October 5 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, that their salaries will continue 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 and the bereaved families to address their concerns, provide updates on recovery operations and explain the progress of investigations into the crash involving a NAF 931 ATR 42-500 aircraft.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the development in a post on the service’s official X account.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, expressed condolences to the families and reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to their welfare.
“The Chief of the Air Staff had directed that the salaries of the deceased personnel should continue until their death benefits were fully paid to their next of kin,” Gabkwet said.
He explained that the arrangement was intended to provide financial stability for the dependants while the processing and payment of the benefits continued.
Swampy Terrain Hampers Recovery Operations
Gabkwet also provided an update on recovery operations at the crash site in Igbokoda, explaining that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and limited access had created significant technical and logistical challenges.
According to him, the operation requires dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation to enable recovery teams to continue their work.
He said the Air Force would maintain collaboration with relevant agencies to recover the remaining evidence and support a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The service also cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the crash, stating that it would not draw conclusions until investigators had examined the available evidence.
The development follows previous recovery efforts at the site, where personnel have continued searching for additional parts of the crashed aircraft and other evidence that could assist investigators.
NAF Provides Psychological and Spiritual Support
Beyond financial assistance, the Nigerian Air Force said it had arranged emotional, psychological and spiritual support for the bereaved families.
Christian chaplains and Muslim imams were made available to offer prayers, spiritual guidance and pastoral care to the affected relatives.
Consultant psychologist Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku also provided support through individual interactions and counselling sessions.
The meeting gave the families an opportunity to ask questions about the crash, ongoing recovery operations, the investigation and welfare arrangements for the dependants of the deceased personnel.
Air Force Pledges Accountability and Continued Support
Reaffirming the service’s commitment to accountability, transparent communication and the welfare of the affected families, Aneke said their concerns and the dignity of the deceased personnel would remain central to the Air Force’s response to the tragedy.
“Your grief matters, your questions matter, and the dignity of your loved ones will remain central to our response to this tragedy,” the Chief of the Air Staff said.
The NAF further pledged to guide the families through the necessary welfare and administrative procedures using designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.
The service maintained that it would continue supporting the families while recovery operations and investigations into the October 5 crash proceed.
The cause of the crash has yet to be established publicly, pending the examination of available evidence by investigators.