By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured families of personnel who died in the 5 October 2026 NAF 931 aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State, that the salaries of the deceased will continue to be paid until their death benefits are fully disbursed to their next of kin.
The assurance was given on Wednesday, 28 October, during an engagement with the bereaved families to address their concerns, provide updates on the ongoing recovery operation and investigation, and outline welfare arrangements for the dependants of the deceased personnel.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, directed the continuation of salary payments as part of measures to provide financial stability for the families while the applicable death benefits are being processed.
Representing the CAS, 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 welfare measure reflected the CAS’s commitment to personnel welfare, noting that the well-being of military personnel and the security of their families remained essential to sustaining morale, commitment and operational effectiveness.
“The Nigerian Air Force stands with you, and our thoughts and prayers remain with every family affected by this tragedy,” Gabkwet said.
On the ongoing recovery operation, he explained that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the crash site had posed 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.
Gabkwet also stressed that the Service would not speculate on the cause of the crash until the relevant evidence had been properly examined.
As part of efforts to address the emotional and spiritual needs of the bereaved families, the NAF facilitated engagements with its Christian chaplains and Muslim imams, who provided prayers, spiritual guidance and pastoral support.
The families also received psychological support from consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, through individual interactions and counselling sessions.
The engagement further provided an opportunity for the families to express their concerns and seek clarification on the accident, recovery efforts and welfare arrangements.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to accountability and continued communication, the CAS assured the families that their concerns would remain central to the NAF’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,” he said.
The Air Force also pledged to maintain open communication with the families and provide guidance on welfare and administrative matters through designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.
