The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing welfare support to the families of personnel who lost their lives in the recent aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, gave the assurance during a visit to the 107 Air Maritime Group at the NAF Base in Benin City, Edo State, where he met with personnel affected by the tragedy and conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
Aneke described the fallen personnel as dedicated patriots who served the country with honour and commitment. He assured their families that the Service would continue to provide emotional, administrative and institutional support during the difficult period.
He stressed that the welfare of the bereaved families remained a priority, adding that the Air Force would take necessary steps to ensure they received assistance following the loss of their loved ones.
The Air Chief also highlighted scholarship support for the children of the deceased personnel, noting that the Service was committed to protecting their future and ensuring they were not left without assistance.
He reiterated that the sacrifices made by the fallen personnel would not be forgotten and assured their families of the Air Force’s continued commitment to their wellbeing.
During the visit, Aneke also addressed concerns about the operational capacity of the 107 Air Maritime Group following the accident. He said the NAF would work towards strengthening the unit through improved welfare, sustained training and the provision of operational platforms.
He urged personnel to remain professional, resilient and focused on their responsibilities despite the loss of their colleagues.
In his response, the Commander of the 107 Air Maritime Group, Air Commodore Onu, expressed appreciation for the Chief of the Air Staff’s visit and the assurances given to the affected personnel and families.
He said the visit had boosted morale within the unit, adding that its personnel remained committed to their duties despite the challenges posed by the incident.
The Air Chief commended the personnel for their dedication and professionalism, while efforts to investigate the accident and recover relevant evidence continued.
The NAF’s assurance comes amid ongoing investigations into the fatal crash involving an ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026. The accident claimed the lives of all 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The Air Force has since established an investigation board to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences.
The Service has reiterated its commitment to supporting the affected families while pursuing measures to strengthen operational safety and maintain the welfare of its personnel.
