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

The assurance was given on Wednesday, October 28, during an engagement with the bereaved families aimed at addressing their concerns, providing welfare updates and keeping them informed about the ongoing recovery operation and investigation into the crash involving the NAF 931 ATR 42-500 aircraft.

According to the NAF, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, directed the continuation of salary payments to provide financial stability for the dependants of the deceased personnel while their entitlements are being processed.

Representing the Chief of the Air Staff at the meeting, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, conveyed the Air Force’s condolences to the families and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to supporting them beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

Gabkwet said the NAF remained committed to the welfare of the affected families, assuring them that the Service would continue to provide the necessary assistance during the difficult period.

He explained that the salary arrangement was part of a welfare policy introduced by the Chief of the Air Staff, emphasising that the well-being of personnel and their families remained central to the Air Force’s operational effectiveness.

The NAF also provided updates on the recovery operation and investigation, noting that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the crash site had posed significant technical and logistical challenges.

According to Gabkwet, the conditions had necessitated dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation to facilitate the recovery process.

He assured the families that the Air Force would sustain recovery efforts in collaboration with relevant agencies and support a thorough, evidence-based investigation into the incident.

The Service, however, cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the crash, stating that conclusions would only be drawn after the relevant evidence had been properly examined.

As part of efforts to address the emotional and psychological impact of the tragedy, the NAF facilitated spiritual support sessions involving Christian chaplains and Muslim imams.

The families also received psychological counselling from consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, who provided individual support and counselling sessions.

The engagement further allowed the bereaved families to express their concerns and seek clarification on the accident, recovery operation and welfare arrangements.

The NAF said it would maintain open communication with the families and provide guidance on administrative and welfare matters through designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.

Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to accountability and sustained engagement, the Chief of the Air Staff assured the families that their concerns and the dignity of their deceased relatives would remain central to the Air Force’s response.

The NAF pledged to continue supporting the affected families, sustain recovery efforts and facilitate a credible investigation while ensuring that the fallen personnel are remembered with dignity and compassion.

The October 5 crash occurred at Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, involving the Nigerian Air Force’s ATR 42-500 aircraft, designated NAF 931.

The incident prompted ongoing recovery efforts and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.