NAF to Continue Salaries of Crash Victims Until Death Benefits Are Paid

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured families of personnel who died in the October 5, 2026, NAF 931 aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State, that the salaries of the deceased will continue until their death benefits are fully paid.

The assurance was given during a meeting with the bereaved families on October 28, as the Service provided updates on recovery operations, investigations into the crash and welfare arrangements for the dependants.

Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, conveyed the Air Force’s condolences to the families and reaffirmed its commitment to their welfare.

Gabkwet explained that continued salary payments were intended to provide financial support to the dependants while the processing of death benefits remained ongoing.

He also briefed the families on challenges confronting recovery operations, including the swampy terrain and difficult access to the crash site.

According to him, dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation are necessary to facilitate the recovery exercise.

The Air Force chief further assured the families that the Service would work with relevant agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the accident.

He stressed that no conclusions would be drawn about the cause of the crash until all relevant evidence had been properly examined.

To address the emotional and spiritual needs of the bereaved families, the NAF facilitated counselling and pastoral care through Christian chaplains, Muslim imams and consultant psychologist, Prof. Ehize Odigie-Okpataku.

The families were also given the opportunity to ask questions, express their concerns and seek clarification on the recovery exercise and welfare arrangements.

The Chief of the Air Staff reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining open communication with the affected families and providing guidance on administrative and welfare matters through designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.

The Service pledged to sustain recovery efforts, support a credible investigation and ensure that the memories of the fallen personnel were honoured with dignity and compassion.