Technician dies protecting family during armed robbery in Ondo

Technician dies protecting family during armed robbery in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of a 47-year-old technician, Idris Clement, who lost his life while trying to protect his family during a violent armed robbery attack in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Friday in the Shagari area of Akure, where a gang of about four suspected armed robbers reportedly invaded the neighbourhood, attacked several households and carted away valuables before storming the victim’s residence.

According to the police, one suspect has been taken into custody, while a manhunt is underway for other members of the gang who escaped after the attack.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspect is being held at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) and is assisting detectives with ongoing investigations.

“We have arrested a suspect in connection with the violent attack on residents of the Shagari area 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 residents that the command remained committed to ensuring justice for the deceased and bringing every member of the robbery gang to justice.

“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,” the police spokesperson added.

Jimoh disclosed that detectives had launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident and vowed that all suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Narrating the ordeal, one of the deceased’s sons, AbdulFatai Clement, said the armed robbers invaded their street at about 1 a.m. after attacking at least two neighbouring houses before entering their compound.

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He explained that his father confronted one of the robbers in an attempt to defend the family, unaware that the attackers were operating as a heavily armed group.

“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.

According to him, the assailants attacked his father with axes and cutlasses before one of them drew a firearm and shot him at close range.

“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,” AbdulFatai said.

Family members described the late Idris Clement as a hardworking refrigeration and air-conditioning technician, a devoted husband and father, and a respected member of the community whose death has left relatives, friends and neighbours devastated.

His widow, Taibat Clement, appealed to the Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure that all those responsible for the attack are identified, arrested and prosecuted.

She urged the authorities not to allow the perpetrators to evade justice, saying the family is relying on law enforcement agencies to ensure those behind the killing face the full weight of the law.

The incident has heightened concerns over the growing incidence of armed robbery and other violent crimes in parts of Ondo State, despite ongoing security operations by law enforcement agencies.

In recent months, the police have intensified intelligence-led operations targeting robbery, kidnapping and cult-related activities across the state, leading to several arrests and the recovery of firearms. Security agencies have continued to encourage residents to remain vigilant, strengthen community policing efforts and promptly report suspicious activities to security operatives.

Residents of the Shagari area have also called for increased police patrols and improved security surveillance, particularly at night, to deter criminal gangs and protect lives and property.

Security analysts say the swift arrest of one suspect represents an important step in the investigation, but stress that dismantling the entire robbery network will be critical to restoring public confidence and preventing similar attacks.

As investigations continue, many residents are hoping the case will lead to the arrest and prosecution of all those involved, while also prompting stronger measures to tackle violent crime across Ondo State.

Technician dies protecting family during armed robbery in Ondo