The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has promised the families of service members who lost their lives in the October 5, 2026, aircraft crash involving an ATR 42-500 (NAF 931) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, that salary payments will continue until their complete death benefits are disbursed.
The assurance was given on Wednesday during a meeting with bereaved families as the Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to their welfare and provided updates on the ongoing recovery operation and investigation.
The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who represented the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, conveyed the Air Force chief’s condolences to the families.
He said the decision to sustain salary payments was part of a welfare policy initiated by the Chief of the Air Staff to provide financial stability for dependants while their entitlements were being processed.
“The Nigerian Air Force stands with you, and our thoughts and prayers remain with every family affected by this tragedy,” Gabkwet said.
He explained that the recovery operation had faced significant technical and logistical challenges because of the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the crash site.
According to him, the challenges had necessitated dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation to facilitate recovery efforts.
Gabkwet assured the families that the NAF would continue working with relevant agencies to sustain the operation and support a thorough investigation into the accident.
He stressed that the Service would not speculate on the cause of the crash until the relevant evidence had been properly examined.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the families to raise concerns and seek clarification on the accident, recovery efforts and welfare arrangements.
To address their emotional and spiritual needs, the NAF facilitated engagements with Christian chaplains and Muslim imams, who provided prayers, counselling and pastoral support.
Consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, also provided psychological support through individual interactions and counselling sessions.
The Air Force further pledged to maintain open communication with the bereaved families and provide guidance on welfare and administrative matters through designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to the families, the Chief of the Air Staff said their concerns and the dignity of the deceased personnel would remain central to the NAF’s response.
“Your grief matters, your questions matter, and the dignity of your loved ones will remain central to our response to this tragedy,” he said.
The NAF said it would continue supporting the families, sustaining recovery efforts and facilitating a credible investigation into the crash.
What You Should Know
Following the tragic military plane crash in Ondo State, the Nigerian Air Force has stepped in to ensure that the dependants of the fallen personnel are not left financially stranded while navigating the bureaucracy of death benefit claims.
- Positive Impact: Families of the victims will experience continued financial stability and support as their monthly salaries remain active during the waiting period for full entitlements.
- Potential Concerns: The ongoing recovery and investigation efforts face difficult logistical hurdles due to the swampy terrain, while grieving families continue to deal with the profound emotional loss of their loved ones.
