A retired Controller of Works from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, AbdulRazaq Ajani, was brutally murdered in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on January 1, 2025.

According to reports, four assailants allegedly trailed Mr. Ajani to his residence in the Tanke area of Ilorin, where they launched their fatal attack shortly after he and his family returned from Offa, their hometown, where they had celebrated the New Year.

The tragic incident occurred around 3:00 pm.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that investigations into the incident were ongoing.

“Yes, the incident happened. I can confirm to you that there was a report of a retired Controller of Works being killed in the Tanke area on Wednesday. Police have stepped in and commenced an investigation,” she said.

While Ejire-Adeyemi noted that no suspects have yet been arrested in connection with the incident, she assured that the investigation was underway into the heinous crime.

A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted how the assassins casually entered Mr Ajani's compound moments after he drove in with his immediate family. They added: “Four young men, between the ages of 18 and 22, carried out the wicked operation.

“CCTV footage reviewed showed two of them standing beside the gate of Mr Ajani's residence, one sipping water from a plastic bottle, while the other two strolled into the compound.

“From one of the two sitting rooms on the ground floor of the one-storey duplex, the retired federal officer reportedly rose to meet them at the main door. They appeared to engage him in conversation until he was suddenly lying face down on the ground.”

An eyewitness reported: “The late Engineer was attacked and hacked to death in the presence of his wife and children immediately upon returning from Offa, where he had gone for the Christmas and New Year break. If you visit his house, there are bloodstains on the walls, and his brain matter is scattered across the floor.

“Many people have flocked to the residence to sympathise with his wife and children, while a team of police officers has visited the scene to investigate.”

Mr Ajani reportedly retired from the Federal Ministry of Works approximately four years ago but was said to have accepted a contract appointment with the ministry in 2024.