JUST IN: Robbers kill technician during Akure raid as police arrest suspect

By Boye Oyeyemi

A suspected armed robbery attack has claimed the life of a popular refrigeration and air-conditioning technician, Idris Abiodun Clement, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, sparking renewed concerns over insecurity in the state.

The incident occurred in the Shagari area of Akure South Local Government Area. Clement, 47, and a father of five, was reportedly attacked after three armed men invaded the neighbourhood around 1 a.m. on Sunday. The assailants allegedly robbed residents of their valuables before forcing their way into his residence.

According to family members, the robbers had already raided two houses before entering Clement’s compound. The deceased was said to have confronted one of the attackers in an attempt to protect his family, unaware that the gang was larger and heavily armed.

Speaking on Sunday, one of his sons, AbdulFatai Clement, said his father was attacked with axes and cutlasses before being shot. He said the family rushed him to the hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead after he had lost a significant amount of blood.

Speaking with newsmen, a close friend of the deceased, Hakeem, described Clement as a hardworking and generous man who was always willing to support others and encourage honest livelihoods.

Clement’s wife, Taibat, also paid tribute to her husband, describing him as a peaceful and responsible family man. She appealed to the Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure those responsible for the killing are arrested and prosecuted.

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 in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department and was assisting detectives with their investigation.

Abayomi assured the bereaved family that the command, under Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, would ensure justice is served. He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the robbery gang who remain at large, adding that everyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.