The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured families of personnel who died in the October 5 ATR 42-500 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, that their deceased relatives’ salaries will continue to be paid until their death benefits are fully settled.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, gave the assurance yesterday during an engagement with the bereaved families to address their concerns and provide updates on the ongoing recovery operation and investigation into the crash involving aircraft NAF 931.

In a statement by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Chief said the measure was intended to provide financial stability for the families while their benefits were being processed.

Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the CAS sent condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to supporting them beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

“The Nigerian Air Force stands with you, and our thoughts and prayers remain with every family affected by this tragedy,” Aneke said.

The CAS explained that the continued salary payments were part of a welfare policy he initiated to protect dependents from financial hardship while the death benefits of their demised relatives were being processed.

He said the policy reflected his commitment to personnel welfare, noting that the well-being of military personnel and the security of their families were critical to sustaining morale, commitment and operational readiness.

Commenting on the ongoing recovery operation at the crash site, Aneke said the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the site had created significant technical and logistical challenges.

The CAS said the challenges necessitated dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation, adding that the NAF would continue working with relevant agencies to recover evidence and support a thorough investigation.

He promised that the NAF would not speculate on the cause of the accident until the relevant evidence had been properly examined.

Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to accountability and continued communication, assuring the families that their concerns would remain central to the Service’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 NAF also pledged to maintain 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.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for the families to raise concerns and seek clarification on the crash, recovery efforts and welfare arrangements.

To address their emotional and spiritual needs, the NAF facilitated counselling sessions with consultant psychologist Prof. Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, alongside engagements with Christian chaplains and Muslim imams for prayers and pastoral support, the statement said.

The Nation reports that the Nigerian Air Force ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed at Igbokoda in Ondo State on October 5, killing all 25 people on board.

The investigation into the accident is ongoing. (The Nation)