NAF to Pay Salaries of Fallen Personnel Until Death Benefits Are Settled
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured the families of personnel who died in the October 5, 2026, aircraft crash at 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, during an engagement between the Service and the bereaved families to address their concerns, provide welfare updates and brief them on the ongoing recovery operation and investigation into the accident involving its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, conveyed the Air Chief’s condolences and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to supporting the affected families beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
He said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed that the deceased personnel’s salaries should continue to be paid until their death benefits were fully settled, describing the measure as part of a welfare policy aimed at providing financial stability for dependants while the applicable benefits are being processed.
According to the NAF, the policy reflects the Air Chief’s emphasis on personnel welfare and the importance of protecting the interests of service personnel’s families.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for the Service to brief the families on challenges confronting recovery operations at the crash site.
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Gabkwet explained that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the location had created significant technical and logistical challenges, requiring dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation.
He assured the families that the NAF would sustain recovery efforts in collaboration with relevant agencies and support a thorough, evidence-based investigation into the accident.
The Air Force said it would refrain from speculating on the cause of the crash until the available evidence had been properly examined.
As part of efforts to address the emotional and psychological effects of the tragedy, the Service facilitated engagements between the bereaved families and its Christian chaplains and Muslim imams for prayers, spiritual guidance and pastoral support.
Renowned consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, also provided psychological support through individual interactions and counselling sessions.
The families were given the opportunity to express their concerns, ask questions and seek clarification on the accident, recovery efforts and welfare arrangements.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to accountability and continued engagement, Aneke assured the families that their concerns and the dignity of the deceased personnel would remain central to the NAF’s response.
The Service also pledged to maintain open communication with the affected families and provide guidance on welfare and administrative matters through designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.
The NAF reiterated its commitment to supporting the bereaved families, continuing recovery operations and facilitating a credible investigation into the crash, while ensuring that the deceased personnel are honoured with dignity and compassion.
By PRNigeria
