The son of a refrigeration and air-conditioning technician, Idris Abiodun, has narrated how his father was allegedly killed by suspected armed robbers while trying to protect his family during a midnight attack on their residence in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
AbdulFatai Abiodun said the incident occurred in the early hours of the weekend when armed men invaded their home in the Shagari area after reportedly attacking other houses within the neighbourhood.
According to him, the robbers stormed the street at about 1 a.m., moving from one house to another before reaching their family compound.
He explained that his 47-year-old father confronted one of the intruders in an attempt to shield his family from harm, unaware that several other armed gang members were nearby.
“My father wanted to defend the family and challenged one of the robbers, but there were about three or four of them.
They attacked him with axes and cutlasses before one of them pulled out a gun and shot him,” AbdulFatai said.
He added that the attackers fled immediately after the shooting, while family members rushed the victim to a hospital.
However, doctors later confirmed that he died after losing a significant amount of blood.
The killing has thrown the community into mourning, with residents, relatives and friends demanding the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.
A family friend, identified simply as Hakeem, described the deceased as a kind-hearted and generous man whose death has left many devastated.
“He was well known for repairing refrigerators and air conditioners and was always willing to help people.
His death is a painful loss to everyone who knew him,” he said.
The deceased’s widow, Taibat, appealed to the Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure that justice is served, describing her late husband as a peaceful, hardworking and responsible family man.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident, disclosing that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the robbery and killing.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the suspect is assisting detectives with the investigation, while efforts have been intensified to track down other members of the gang.
He assured the bereaved family and residents that everyone linked to the crime would be brought to justice.