Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ondo State Police Command has launched a full-scale manhunt for members of a deadly robbery gang that killed a 47-year-old father of five in the Shagari area of Akure in the early hours of Friday, 3 July 2026, as detectives intensify efforts to track down fleeing suspects and recover the weapons used in the attack. The victim, Idris Abiodun Clement, a popular refrigeration and air-conditioning technician widely known in the community, was brutally attacked and shot dead after confronting the armed assailants who had invaded his residence following a string of robberies in the neighbourhood.
According to a press release issued on Sunday, 5 July 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident was reported to the police at approximately 3:30 a.m. by a resident, Mr Oluwatoyin, who told officers that he had heard a gunshot at about 1:00 a.m. coming from a neighbouring residence. Moments later, he heard a familiar voice crying out for help and upon stepping outside, discovered Mr Clement lying in a pool of blood. Preliminary accounts from the deceased's family indicated that a group of armed robbers invaded their residence during the night, dragged the victim outside, attacked him with machetes, and subsequently shot him before fleeing the scene. Concerned neighbours immediately assisted in evacuating the victim to the General Hospital, Akure, where medical personnel confirmed him dead.
The police spokesperson confirmed that detectives promptly visited the crime scene, where photographs of the deceased were taken as part of the investigation. A preliminary examination revealed multiple machete wounds on the head and chest, as well as a gunshot wound around the neck. During a thorough search of the scene, investigators recovered several exhibits believed to be connected with the crime, including one lady's handbag, one cross bag, one small Itel mobile phone, one expended locally made gun shell, and other items. Preliminary findings indicate that the Itel phone and one of the bags belong to occupants of a neighbouring apartment who were robbed earlier before the suspects proceeded to attack the deceased.
In a clear demonstration of the command's technical expertise and unwavering resolve to rid Ondo State of violent crime, detectives have arrested one suspect in connection with the incident. Intensive efforts, leveraging intelligence-led policing, forensic analysis, and coordinated tactical operations, are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further discreet and comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
The victim's son, AbdulFatai Clement, gave a harrowing account of the attack, describing how his father bravely confronted the assailants in a desperate bid to protect his family. "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," he narrated. "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 recounted how the gang attacked his father with axes and cutlasses before one of them produced 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," the grieving son said.
The deceased, a father of five, was described by friends and family as a hardworking, humble, and generous man who was widely respected in the community. A family friend, Hakeem, paid tribute to Clement's character, describing him as a popular artisan who consistently encouraged others to succeed in their legitimate businesses. The widow, Mrs Taibat Clement, has appealed to the Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for her husband's killing are brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has assured residents that no effort will be spared in bringing all those responsible for this heinous crime to justice. He urges members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities, and provide credible information that could assist the police in tracking down the fleeing suspects. The Ondo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and encourages residents to promptly report suspicious persons or activities through the nearest police station or established emergency channels. As the manhunt continues, the community of Shagari remains in mourning, united in grief over the loss of a beloved husband, father, and friend whose only crime was daring to stand up against the forces of darkness that have terrorised too many Nigerian homes.
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