Tragedy struck in the Tanke area of Ilorin, Kwara State, as a retired Controller of Works from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, AbdulRazaq Ajani, was gruesomely murdered on January 1, 2025.

The attack occurred shortly after Ajani returned to his residence with his family, following a New Year celebration in his hometown of Offa. The incident, which took place around 3 p.m., has left the community in shock.

Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating, “Yes, the incident happened. A retired Controller of Works was killed in the Tanke area on Wednesday. Police have commenced an investigation into the case.”

According to reports, four young men, aged between 18 and 22, trailed Ajani to his residence. CCTV footage revealed two of the assailants loitering outside the gate, with one casually sipping water from a plastic bottle, while the other two entered the compound.

Witnesses described the chilling moments when Ajani, upon noticing the intruders, approached them at his front door. The exchange appeared calm initially but took a horrific turn, leaving the retired official lying face down.

Eyewitnesses recounted the brutality of the attack: “The late engineer was hacked to death in the presence of his wife and children. Blood stains covered the walls of his home, and his brain was scattered on the floor.”

The gruesome murder has drawn a large crowd of sympathizers to Ajani's residence, where they consoled his grieving wife and children. Police officers have since visited the scene as investigations intensify.

Ajani, who retired from the Federal Ministry of Works four years ago, had recently returned to the ministry on a contract appointment in 2024.

The community mourns the loss of a distinguished public servant, with many calling for a swift resolution and justice for Ajani and his family.