The son of a popular refrigerator and air-conditioner technician, Idris Abiodun, has recounted how his father was allegedly killed at the weekend by suspected armed robbers while trying to protect his family during an attack on their home in Akure, Ondo State.

His son, AbdulFatai, said his 47-year-old father was shot dead after confronting the armed robbers who invaded their residence in the Shagari area of Akure.

He said the robbers had already attacked two other houses before storming their home around 1 a.m.

“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,” he said.

The killing of the father of five has sparked outrage among residents of the community, with family members and friends calling on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible.

A close friend of the deceased, who identified himself simply as Hakeem, described the killing as painful, saying Abiodun was widely respected for his generosity and willingness to support others.

“He was a technician who repaired freezers and air conditioners. This is a painful loss to all of us. He was the type of person who always encouraged others to succeed,” he said.

The deceased’s widow, Taibat, described her husband as a hardworking, peaceful and responsible family man, appealing to the Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure justice is served.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said one suspect has been arrested in connection with the robbery and killing.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect is assisting investigators, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

He assured the bereaved family and residents that all those found culpable would face the full weight of the law. (Daily Trust)

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