NAF pledges continued salary payments for families of Ondo crash victims

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has pledged to continue paying the salaries of personnel killed in the October 5 aircraft crash in Ondo State until their death benefits are fully paid to their next of kins.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, gave the directive as part of efforts to support families affected by the accident involving the NAF 931 ATR 42-500 aircraft at Igbokoda, Ondo State.

According to a statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the assurance was given during an engagement with bereaved families on October 28.

The statement said the measure was intended to provide financial stability for dependants while their applicable death benefits were being processed.

Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, conveyed the Air Force's condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the families.

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

The meeting also provided an opportunity to update the families on recovery operations and the ongoing investigation into the crash.

Gabkwet explained that the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the crash site had created technical and logistical challenges, requiring dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation.

He assured the families that recovery efforts would continue in collaboration with relevant agencies and that the Air Force would support a thorough, evidence-based investigation.

The NAF said it would not speculate on the cause of the accident until the relevant evidence had been properly examined.

The bereaved families were also provided with spiritual guidance and psychological support, including counselling sessions with consultant psychologist Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku, as well as engagements with Christian chaplains and Muslim imams.

The Air Force further 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.