Fear has gripped residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, following the killing of a resident, Clement Idris, during a violent armed robbery attack in the Shagari area of the city, with the Ondo State Police Command confirming the arrest of one suspect and launching a manhunt for other members of the gang.
The Command, in a statement issued on Sunday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the deadly attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, July 3, 2026.
According to the police, the incident was reported at about 3:30 a.m. by a resident identified as Oluwatoyin, who told officers that he heard a gunshot at about 1:00 a.m. coming from a neighbouring residence. Moments later, he reportedly recognised the distressed voice of the victim crying out for help.
Responding swiftly to the distress report, police operatives were deployed to the scene, where they discovered the lifeless body of Clement Idris, who had allegedly been attacked by armed robbers. Preliminary investigations indicated that the assailants fled the area immediately after carrying out the attack.
The police said intensive investigations and intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of one suspect believed to be connected with the crime. The suspect is currently in police custody and is assisting detectives with information expected to aid the arrest of other members of the robbery gang who remain at large.
The Command assured residents that efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend every individual involved in the deadly operation, stressing that no suspect linked to the killing would escape justice.
DSP Jimoh appealed to members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear, and cooperate with security agencies by volunteering credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and the manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
The police further reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Ondo State, urging residents to promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency channels.
The killing has renewed concerns over violent crime in Akure, with residents calling for stronger security patrols and more proactive policing to stem the growing threat posed by armed criminal gangs operating in parts of the state.