The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has assured families of personnel killed in the October 5 aircraft crash in Ondo State that their salaries will continue to be paid until all death benefits are settled.
The assurance was given on Wednesday during a meeting with the bereaved families to address their welfare concerns and provide updates on recovery operations and investigations into the crash.
The accident, involving a NAF ATR 42-500 aircraft at Igbokoda, claimed the lives of all 25 people on board.
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, said the measure was intended to provide financial relief to the families.
“The Chief of the Air Staff had directed that the salaries of the deceased personnel should continue until their death benefits were fully paid to their next of kin,” he said.
Gabkwet, who conveyed the Air Force chief’s condolences, assured the families that the service would continue supporting them throughout the recovery and administrative processes.
“The Nigerian Air Force stands with you, and our thoughts and prayers remain with every family affected by this tragedy,” he stated.
Providing an update on the recovery operation, Gabkwet explained that the swampy and waterlogged terrain at the crash site had created significant technical and logistical difficulties.
He said the operation required specialised engineering support, dewatering and stabilisation of the site.
The Air Force maintained that it would not speculate on the cause of the accident until investigators had thoroughly examined the available evidence.
NAF also arranged psychological counselling and spiritual support for the affected families, involving Christian chaplains, Muslim imams and a consultant psychologist, Professor Ehize Odigie-Okpataku.
The families were given opportunities to raise concerns and seek clarification on the recovery exercise, investigation and welfare arrangements.
The Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining communication with the bereaved families and ensuring that the deceased personnel were treated with dignity.
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