NAF Orders Salary Payments to Continue for Families of Crash Victims

Families of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel killed in the October 5 aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State, will continue receiving the deceased officers’ salaries until their death benefits are fully paid to their next of kin.

The directive by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, was disclosed during a meeting with the bereaved families on Wednesday, October 28, as the Air Force sought to address their welfare concerns following the crash involving its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931.

Representing Aneke at the meeting, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the measure was intended to cushion the financial impact on dependants while the processing of death benefits continues. He conveyed the Air Chief’s condolences and assured the families that the Service would not abandon them after the tragedy.

On the recovery operation, Gabkwet explained that the crash site’s swampy, waterlogged conditions had complicated access and required dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation. He said the NAF would continue working with relevant agencies to recover the necessary evidence and support a credible investigation, adding that the cause of the crash would not be speculated upon before the evidence was examined.

The meeting also addressed the families’ emotional and spiritual needs, with Christian chaplains, Muslim imams and consultant psychologist Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku providing pastoral care and psychological counselling. Relatives were also allowed to raise questions and express concerns about the investigation, recovery efforts and welfare arrangements.

Reaffirming the Air Force’s commitment, Aneke told the families, “your grief matters, your questions matter, and the dignity of your loved ones will remain central to our response to this tragedy.” The NAF said it would maintain communication with the families and provide administrative and welfare guidance through designated liaison channels, including the Office of the Directorate of Veterans Affairs.