Robbers kill technician in Ondo while defending family

A 47-year-old technician, Idris Clement, has been killed during an armed robbery in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.

The police in the state confirmed that they have arrested a suspect related to the incident.

PUNCH Metro found out on Sunday that Clement was attacked by a gang of four armed robbers at his home in the Shagari area of Akure early Friday morning.

Reports say the robbers entered the community around 1 a.m., attacking residents and stealing their belongings before they got to Clement’s house, where he was shot dead.

On Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the news. He said one suspect has been arrested and is helping the police with their investigation.

"We have arrested a suspect in connection with the violent attack on residents of Shagari and the killing of the technician. The suspect is currently in our custody at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department and is assisting the police with the investigation," Jimoh said.

He assured the community that justice would be served. "We will ensure that everyone involved is arrested. Efforts are ongoing to catch other members of the robbery gang who are still at large," he added.

Jimoh also said a thorough investigation is ongoing and that anyone found guilty will face prosecution.

Speaking to reporters, one of the deceased’s sons, AbdulFatai Clement, described the attack as devastating. He said the robbers had already targeted two houses in the area before forcing their way into their family compound.

He said, "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 rushed him to the hospital, but he had lost so much blood. The doctors later confirmed him dead."

The deceased’s widow, Mrs Taibat Clement, called on the Ondo State Government and security agencies to make sure those responsible for her husband’s death are arrested and brought to justice.