Nigerian Air Force pledges continued salaries for families of ATR crash victims

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that the salaries of personnel killed in the ATR 42‑500 crash designated NAF 931 will continue to be paid until their death benefits are fully disbursed to next‑of‑kin. The crash occurred on 5 October 2026 at Igbokoda in Ondo State, resulting in multiple fatalities. The assurance was delivered to bereaved families during a meeting on 28 October 2026, where Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), was represented by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Chief of Civil‑Military Relations.

Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet conveyed the CAS’s condolences and reiterated the service’s commitment to support the families financially and spiritually. He explained that the decision to maintain salary payments aligns with a welfare policy introduced by the CAS, intended to provide financial stability while the formal death‑benefit process is completed. The NAF also arranged for religious leaders and a consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie‑Okpataku, to offer spiritual and psychological assistance to the affected families.

Background

The ATR 42‑500 aircraft, registered as NAF 931, crashed in swampy, water‑logged terrain that complicated recovery operations. The difficult access required de‑watering, engineering support, and site stabilisation before investigators could reach the wreckage. The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, noted that the service would not speculate on the cause of the accident until a thorough, evidence‑based investigation is completed. The engagement with families on 28 October formed part of the NAF’s broader effort to keep relatives informed about recovery progress and the ongoing inquiry.

Why it matters

The continuation of salary payments directly impacts the dependants of the deceased airmen, ensuring a steady income stream while official death benefits are processed. According to the statements, the measure is designed to mitigate financial hardship for families during the interim period. The NAF’s support also extends to spiritual care, with both Christian chaplains and Muslim imams providing guidance, and to mental‑health assistance through individual counselling sessions. These actions aim to uphold morale within the force and demonstrate the service’s commitment to personnel welfare, which is presented as a pillar of operational effectiveness.

What happens next

The NAF indicated that recovery efforts will proceed in collaboration with relevant agencies, and that a comprehensive investigation will continue once site access issues are resolved. No specific timeline for the conclusion of the inquiry or the finalisation of death‑benefit payments was provided in the statements. The service pledged to keep families updated on both the recovery operation and the progress of the investigation.