Police arrest suspect as robbers kill technician during Ondo attack

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of a 47-year-old technician, Idris Clement, during a suspected armed robbery attack in Akure, the state capital.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday in the Shagari area, where a gang of about four armed robbers reportedly invaded the community, robbing residents before storming Clement’s residence.

According to residents, the assailants had already attacked two houses in the neighbourhood before confronting Clement, who was fatally shot while trying to protect his family.

Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said one suspect had been arrested and was assisting investigators.

“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 residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the robbery gang.

“We will ensure that everyone involved is arrested. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the robbery gang who are still at large,” he added.

Jimoh said a full investigation had commenced and promised that all those found culpable would be prosecuted.

Speaking to journalists, the deceased’s son, AbdulFatai Clement, recounted the events leading to his father’s death.

He said the robbers entered the street around 1 a.m. and had already robbed two other houses before invading their family compound.

“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,” he said.

The deceased’s widow, Taibat Clement, appealed to the Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for her husband’s killing are arrested and brought to justice.