‘My father died defending us,’ says slain Ondo technician’s son

By Boye Oyeyemi

The son of a 47-year-old refrigerator and air-conditioner technician, Idris Abiodun, has narrated how his father was allegedly killed by suspected armed robbers while trying to protect his family during an attack on their residence in the Shagari area of Akure, Ondo State.

Speaking on Tuesday, AbdulFatai Abiodun said the gunmen stormed their street around 1 a.m. after allegedly raiding two neighbouring houses before forcing their way into their family home.

According to him, his father chose to confront one of the intruders in a bid to save his family, unaware that several other armed members of the gang were hiding nearby.

“They had robbed about two other houses before they came into our house. My father did not want to leave anything to chance, so he confronted one of the robbers to defend the family, not knowing there were about three or four of them and that they were heavily armed,” he said.

AbdulFatai added that the attackers assaulted his father with axes and cutlasses before one of them pulled 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. The doctors later confirmed him dead,” he narrated.

The killing has sparked grief and outrage among residents, with family members and friends calling on security agencies to ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted. Reacting, a close friend of the deceased, Hakeem, described him as a generous and hardworking man who was always willing to support others.

Similarly, the deceased’s widow, Taibat, described her husband as a peaceful and responsible family man, urging the Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure justice is served for the father of five.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the robbery and killing. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect was assisting investigators, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang, assuring residents that all those involved would face the full weight of the law.