Residents of the Shagari area of Akure, the Ondo State capital, have been thrown into mourning after suspected armed robbers killed a well-known refrigeration and air-conditioning technician, Idris Abiodun Clement, during a midnight attack.
The 47-year-old father of five was reportedly attacked in the early hours of the weekend after hoodlums invaded the neighbourhood, robbing residents of cash and other valuables before storming his residence.
Sources in the area said the attackers, believed to be three or four in number, arrived at about 1 a.m. and had already raided two houses before forcing their way into Clement's family compound.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, while members of the deceased's family have called on security agencies to ensure that all those responsible for the killing are apprehended and prosecuted.
Speaking on Sunday, one of the victim's sons, AbdulFatai Clement, said the family was devastated by the tragedy.
He explained that his father confronted one of the robbers in an attempt to protect the family, unaware that several other armed gang members were lying in wait.
According to him, the assailants attacked the technician with cutlasses and axes before one of them allegedly opened fire, leaving him with fatal injuries.
He said the family rushed Clement to a hospital, but doctors later confirmed that he had died after losing a large amount of blood.
A close associate of the deceased, Hakeem, described the late technician as a generous and hardworking man who was always willing to help others grow their businesses.
He recalled that Clement, who specialised in repairing refrigerators and air conditioners, was widely respected in the community for his humility and readiness to support people pursuing legitimate means of livelihood.
The deceased's widow, Taibat Clement, described her husband as a peaceful, responsible and dedicated family man, saying his death had left a huge void in the family.
She appealed to the Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure that those behind the killing were brought to justice.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of one suspect in connection with the robbery and murder.
The command's spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect was apprehended by security operatives and is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, where he is assisting investigators.
Abayomi assured residents that the police would pursue the case to its logical conclusion, adding that efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the robbery gang who remain at large.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had directed that a comprehensive investigation be carried out, stressing that every person found to have played a role in the attack would be made to face the law.
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