Armed Robbers Kill Popular Technician in Ondo, Family Demands Justice

 Barnabas Olabisi Akure

Residents 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 violent robbery attack.

The 47-year-old father of five was reportedly murdered in the early hours of the weekend when a gang of suspected armed robbers invaded the Shagari area in Akure South Local Government Area, attacking residents and carting away valuables.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants, said to be three or four in number, stormed the community at about 1:00 a.m., robbing several households before forcing their way into Clement's residence.

Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, one of the deceased's sons, AbdulFatai Clement, said his father was attacked while trying to protect his family from the robbers.

"The robbers had already attacked about two houses before they came into our compound. My father confronted one of them in an attempt to defend the family, not knowing that others were hiding nearby and were heavily armed.

"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 too much blood and was later confirmed dead by doctors," he said.

The tragic incident has sparked outrage within the community, with family members, friends and residents calling on security agencies to ensure that everyone involved in the attack is apprehended and prosecuted.

A close friend of the deceased, Hakeem, described Clement as a hardworking and compassionate man who was always willing to support people pursuing legitimate businesses.

"He repaired refrigerators and air conditioners and was widely respected. Just a few days ago, we discussed selling a Toyota Camry, and he suggested parking it near his house so potential buyers could easily see it.

"He always encouraged people to succeed and was ready to assist anyone engaged in honest work. He was humble, generous and kind-hearted. His death is a painful loss to all of us," he said.

The widow of the deceased, Taibat Clement, described her late husband as a peaceful, responsible and devoted family man whose untimely death has left an irreplaceable vacuum in the family.

She appealed to the Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killing are brought to justice.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command disclosed that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the robbery and murder.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCID) and is assisting detectives with ongoing investigations.

"We have arrested one suspect in connection with the violent attack on residents of Shagari and the killing of the technician," Abayomi said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed that a comprehensive investigation be carried out to ensure justice is served.

"The police under the leadership of CP Felix Ohagwu will not allow this case to be swept under the carpet. We are determined to arrest every member of the robbery gang, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend those still at large," he stated.

The police spokesperson assured the bereaved family and residents that investigations were progressing, stressing that everyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.