Suspected armed robbers have shot dead a popular refrigeration and air-conditioning technician, Idris Abiodun, during a violent raid on the Shagari area of Akure, Ondo State, sparking outrage among residents.

Abiodun, a 47-year-old father of five, was reportedly killed at the weekend when suspected armed robbers invaded the community in the early hours of the day, attacking residents and carting away valuables.

According to sources, the robbers, said to be about three in number, stormed the neighbourhood around 1 a.m., breaking into houses and dispossessing residents of their belongings.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents, while family members and friends of the deceased have called on security agencies to ensure that all those involved in the crime are arrested and prosecuted.

Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, one of the deceased’s sons, AbdulFatai Clement, described the attack as devastating and recounted how the robbers invaded their home after attacking other houses in the area.

“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 killing as painful and senseless, noting that the deceased was widely respected for his generosity and encouragement of others.

“He (Idris Abiodun) 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 husband as a hardworking, peaceful and responsible family man whose 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 has been arrested in connection with the robbery and murder.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect was apprehended by security operatives and is currently assisting investigators.

“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.”

Abayomi assured the bereaved family and residents of the area that a thorough investigation was ongoing and vowed that all those found culpable would face the full weight of the law. (Weekend Trust)

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