By our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested one suspect in connection with the gruesome killing of a resident during an armed robbery attack in Akure, while intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
The Command said it has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, which claimed the life of Mr. Clement Idris in the early hours of Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Shagari Area of Akure.
According to the Police, the incident was reported at about 3:30 a.m. by a resident, Mr. Oluwatoyin, who said he heard a gunshot around 1:00 a.m. from a neighbouring residence before hearing the victim crying for help.
On rushing outside, the witness reportedly found Idris lying in a pool of blood.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a gang of armed robbers invaded the victim’s residence during the night, dragged him outside, attacked him with machetes and later shot him before fleeing the scene.
The victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Akure, by neighbours but was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
Detectives who visited the scene documented the crime and observed multiple machete wounds on the victim’s head and chest, as well as a gunshot wound around the neck.
During a search of the area, investigators recovered several exhibits linked to the robbery, including a lady’s handbag, a cross bag, a small Itel mobile phone and an expended locally made gun shell.
Police said preliminary findings indicated that the recovered phone and one of the bags belonged to occupants of a neighbouring apartment who had earlier been robbed of their mobile phones before the attackers proceeded to the deceased’s residence.
The Command disclosed that one suspect has been arrested through ongoing intelligence-led investigations, while efforts involving forensic analysis and coordinated tactical operations are underway to track down other fleeing members of the gang and recover the weapons used during the attack.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, assured residents that the Command would spare no effort in ensuring all those responsible for the crime are arrested and brought to justice.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the fleeing suspects.
The Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious persons or activities through the nearest police station or established emergency channels.
