NAF to Continue Salaries of Crash Victims Until Death Benefits Are Paid

By Zainab Uzomah | Abuja

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

The assurance was given on Wednesday during a meeting between the Air Force and the bereaved families as part of efforts to address their concerns and provide updates on the recovery operation and investigation into the accident involving an ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the Service remained committed to supporting the families beyond the immediate response to the tragedy.

Gabkwet said the continued salary payments were directed by the Chief of the Air Staff to provide financial stability for dependants while their death benefits were being processed.

He conveyed the Air Force chief’s condolences to the families and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to their welfare.

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

Gabkwet said the swampy, waterlogged terrain and difficult access to the crash site had posed significant technical and logistical challenges, requiring dewatering, engineering support and site stabilisation.

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

The Service, he said, would not speculate on the cause of the accident until the available evidence had been properly examined.