Residents of the Shagari area of Akure, the Ondo state capital, have been thrown into mourning following the gruesome killing of a popular refrigeration and air-conditioning technician, Idris Abiodun Clement, during a midnight robbery attack.
The 47-year-old father of five was reportedly killed in the early hours of Saturday after a gang of suspected armed robbers invaded the community, attacking residents and carting away valuables.
Sources said the hoodlums, believed to be three or four in number, stormed the area at about 1:00 a.m., robbing occupants of at least two houses before breaking into Clement’s residence.
The incident has sparked outrage within the community, with the deceased’s family and friends calling on security agencies to ensure that all those involved in the crime are apprehended and brought to justice.
Speaking with our correspondent Sunday, one of the deceased’s sons, AbdulFatai Clement, recounted the tragic incident, describing it as a devastating loss to the family.
He said his father confronted one of the robbers in an attempt to protect his family, unaware that the attackers were heavily armed.
“The robbers came into our street around 1 a.m. and had already attacked two houses before they invaded ours. My father tried to defend the family by confronting one of them, not knowing there were several others armed with dangerous weapons.
“They attacked him with axes and cutlasses before one of them brought out a gun and shot him. They fled immediately after he collapsed. We rushed him to the hospital, but he had lost so much blood and the doctors later confirmed him dead,” he said.
A close friend of the deceased, who identified himself simply as Hakeem, described Clement as a generous, humble and hardworking man who was always willing to support others.
“He was a skilled technician who repaired refrigerators and air conditioners. He encouraged people to succeed in their legitimate businesses and was always ready to offer assistance. His death is a painful loss, not only to his family but to everyone who knew him,” he said.
The deceased’s widow, Taibat Clement, described her husband as a peaceful, responsible and dedicated family man whose untimely death has left an irreplaceable vacuum.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo state Police command said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the robbery and murder.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect was arrested by security operatives and is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCID), where he is assisting investigators.