Tension in Ilorin as assasins murder ex-Federal ministry officer on New Year’s day

Ilorin was thrown into shock and mourning on New Year’s Day following the brutal murder of AbdulRazaq Ajani, a retired controller of works from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

The horrifying incident occurred around 3 p.m. at his residence on Dele Gege Street, off Awolowo Road, in the Tanke area of the Kwara State capital.

Ajani had just returned from a trip to his hometown, Offa, with his wife and children when tragedy struck. Eyewitnesses and family members recounted how four young men, aged between 18 and 22, infiltrated his compound moments after he drove in.

CCTV footage revealed two of the assailants standing casually outside the gate, one sipping from a water bottle, while the other two entered the premises. Ajani, noticing their presence, reportedly went to meet them at the main door of his home.

“What appeared to be a conversation suddenly turned deadly,” a family member told Premium Times.

The retired officer was gruesomely attacked and hacked to death with what seemed to be small axes, leaving his family in horror.

The assailants fled swiftly after committing the crime, leaving behind a blood-stained corridor and a family devastated by the loss.

Neighbours, drawn by the anguished cries of the family, arrived only after the attackers had escaped.

The police have since evacuated Ajani’s body, but no official statement has been released.

Ajani, a respected civil engineer, retired from the Federal Ministry of Works four years ago but had taken up a contract role at the ministry last year. He was well-regarded by neighbours and known for his humility and contributions to the community.