..police arrest suspect

A gang of suspected armed robbers has killed a popular refrigeration and air conditioning technician, Idris Abiodun Clement, during a violent robbery attack in Akure, the Ondo State capital, throwing his family, friends and residents into mourning.

The 47-year-old father of five was killed at the weekend in the Shagari area of Akure South Local Government Area after the hoodlums invaded the neighbourhood in the early hours of the day.

It was gathered that the armed robbers, numbering about three, stormed the community at about 1 a.m., attacking the residents and dispossessing them of their valuables before invading Clement’s residence.

The gruesome killing has sparked outrage among residents, while the deceased’s family has demanded justice, urging security agencies to ensure that everyone connected with the crime is arrested and prosecuted.

Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, one of the deceased’s sons, AbdulFatai Clement, described the attack as devastating.

According to him, the robbers had already attacked two houses in the area before they forcefully gained entry into the family compound.

“The armed robbers came into our street around 1 a.m. and started robbing residents. They had robbed about two other houses before they came into our house in full force.

“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.

“They attacked him with axes and cutlasses before one of them brought out a gun and shot him. The robbers fled immediately after he collapsed. We had to rush him to the hospital, but he had lost so much blood. The doctors later confirmed him dead,” he said.

A close friend of the deceased, who identified himself simply as Hakeem, described the incident as a painful and senseless killing.

He said Idris was widely known for his generosity and willingness to support people in legitimate businesses.

“He (Idris) was a technician who repaired freezers and air conditioners. This is a painful loss to all of us. Just a few days ago, we discussed selling a Toyota camry vehicle and he advised us to park it close to his house by the roadside to attract potential buyers.

“He was the type of person who always encouraged others to succeed. No matter the kind of legitimate business you were doing, he would support and motivate you. He was popular, humble and kind-hearted,” he said.

The widow of the deceased, Taibat Clement, described her late husband as a hardworking, peaceful and responsible family man whose death had created an irreplaceable vacuum.

She appealed to the state government and the security agencies not to allow those responsible for the killing of her husband to escape justice.

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 in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect was arrested by security operatives and is currently assisting with investigation.

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

He added, “the suspect is currently in our custody at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCID) and is assisting the police with investigation.

“The police under the leadership of CP Felix Ohagwu will not allow this case to be swept under the carpet. We will ensure that everyone involved is arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the robbery gang who are still at large.”

DSP Abayomi assured the bereaved family and residents of the area that a thorough was ongoing investigation, adding that all those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.