A quiet street in Ilorin, Kwara State, turned into a crime scene on New Year’s Day when AbdulRazaq Ajani, a retired Federal Controller of Works, was viciously murdered in his home, just moments after returning from a family trip. The gruesome attack has shocked residents and raised questions about the safety of citizens, even in the heart of the city.
Ajani, who had retired from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, was killed in broad daylight on January 1, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m. The incident occurred on Dele Gege Street, off Awolowo Road, in the Tanke area of Ilorin, a community typically known for its calm and serene environment. However, what began as a routine family return from a visit to their hometown, Offa, quickly spiraled into an unimaginable tragedy.
CCTV footage obtained from the scene shows a group of four young men, all estimated to be between the ages of 18 and 22, entering the compound with chilling calmness. The video captures one of the attackers casually sipping water from a plastic bottle while the others linger near the gate. They appeared to be in no rush, as if they were familiar with the property. Moments later, they moved toward the house, just as Ajani and his family parked their vehicle.
According to eyewitnesses and security camera footage, Ajani noticed the group from a sitting room window in his single-story home. Initially, it seemed like a brief conversation was about to take place. However, the situation rapidly escalated when the assailants attacked him without warning. Armed with small axes, the attackers struck mercilessly, leaving Ajani with severe injuries. His family, including his wife and children, were helplessly watching in horror from inside the house as their father and husband was hacked to death.
“The scene was so horrifying that even the neighbors couldn’t believe their eyes,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “It all happened so quickly. They were in and out of the compound before anyone had the chance to react.”
The attackers fled the scene immediately after the brutal assault, leaving behind a bloodied and lifeless Ajani. His family members, who were in shock, rushed to alert neighbors and call the authorities. Despite their best efforts to seek help, Ajani was declared dead at the scene.
Police Response: No Arrests Yet, Investigation Ongoing
The Kwara State Police Command swiftly responded to the incident, launching an investigation into the murder. In a statement released to the public on January 3, the spokesperson for the police, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the murder, stating that authorities are still working to identify the culprits.
“No arrests have been made at this time. Our detectives are working tirelessly to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” said Ejire-Adeyemi. “Meanwhile, the Kwara Police Command commiserates with the entire family of the Ajanis; we pray that God Almighty consoles and comforts members of the family left behind. We pray for the repose of the soul of their beloved father. Amen.”
Despite the clear evidence from the CCTV footage, which shows the attackers’ faces, the police are yet to make any arrests. Authorities have assured the family and the public that they are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice. “The Kwara Police Command assures the family that those involved in this dastardly act will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Ejire-Adeyemi continued. “Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”
The police are also appealing to the public for any information that might help with the investigation. It is unclear whether the attack was premeditated or a result of a random dispute, though local sources have suggested that the assailants may have been aware of Ajani’s identity and residence.
The murder of AbdulRazaq Ajani has left many in the community of Ilorin deeply shaken. Longtime neighbors and friends of the late retired controller have expressed their disbelief over the brutality of the attack.
Ajani’s career in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing was marked by years of dedication to public service, a fact that has made his death all the more difficult to accept for those who knew him. As a retired official, Ajani had remained active in his local community, often seen at local events and gatherings. His untimely death has sparked an outpouring of grief from friends, colleagues, and the people of Ilorin, many of whom are now grappling with the reality that such a heinous crime could occur so close to home.
The murder has also raised concerns about the safety of retired government officials and their families. Although security measures are typically put in place for high-ranking officials, the brutal killing of a retired individual suggests that no one is truly safe, regardless of their status or background.
