ABUJA — The Nigerian Air Force has directed that the monthly salaries of personnel who lost their lives in the tragic October 5 crash involving an ATR 42-500 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, will continue to be paid directly to their next of kin until all official statutory death benefits are fully processed and disbursed.
The directive was issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Abuja during an extensive engagement between the air force hierarchy and the bereaved families aimed at addressing critical welfare concerns, operational recovery updates, and the ongoing investigation into the crash.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, reaffirmed the military branch’s commitment to supporting the families throughout the grieving process.
“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 welfare initiative is designed to buffer affected dependents against financial hardship and maintain household stability while statutory claims are verified and cleared.
Updating the families on the recovery operation at the crash site in Igbokoda, Gabkwet revealed that the swampy, waterlogged terrain presented severe technical and logistical hurdles, necessitating dewatering efforts, heavy engineering interventions, and site stabilization to recover remains and aircraft components safely.
To provide emotional and spiritual support during this challenging transition, the military authority has deployed chaplains, imams, and a team of mental health experts, led by consultant psychologist Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, to assist the grieving families.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, designated NAF 931, crashed on October 5, 2026, claiming the lives of all 25 personnel on board.
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