The quiet farming community of Ilewo Orile in Abeokuta North, Ogun State, was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the gruesome murder of a 29-year-old mother of one, Mrs. Gloria Peter Ajine.
She was attacked while harvesting vegetables on her farm.
Gloria, described by her loved ones as a hardworking and devoted wife and mother, had gone to her farm that afternoon to prepare for the upcoming market day on January 16. Tragically, she never returned home.
Her husband, Mr. Peter Ajine, shared the devastating moment he discovered her body.
Fighting back tears, he said, “I still cannot believe she’s gone. Gloria was the light of our family.”
“She went to the farm to gather food for us, for our son, for the market. Who would do this to her? She didn’t deserve to die like this. My heart is shattered.”
Family members revealed that Gloria’s lifeless body was discovered hours later, lying in a pool of blood on her farm.
Her killers, whose identities remain unknown, had attacked her in what the family described as a “cold-blooded” manner.
Born into the Ochong family in Adum East Ito, Obi Local Government Area of Benue State, Gloria was married into the Ajine family of Abofutu Ikponyire, also in Benue State.
She and her husband had moved to Ogun State in search of a better future for their young family.
Describing the incident as an unimaginable act of violence, her husband said, “Gloria was the kind of person who would light up a room. She was hardworking, loving, and full of dreams for her family. To think that she died in such a horrific way is unbearable.”
The grieving family has urged law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Holding their one-year-old child, Peter made a heartfelt appeal to the authorities.
“I have lost my wife, my partner, and my best friend. Our son has lost his mother,” he said.
“We are calling on the government, on the police, and on everyone to help us find those who did this. Gloria’s life cannot end like this, without justice.”
He added, “I need to know why. Why would anyone do this? She didn’t have enemies. She was a good woman who worked hard for her family. Whoever did this has taken away my joy, and I will not rest until justice is served.”
The murder has sent shockwaves through the typically peaceful community of Ilewo Orile. Residents described the crime as rare and deeply unsettling.
Mrs. Rukayat Oladimeji, a neighbour, said, “This is a tragedy. Gloria was always smiling, always working hard. We cannot believe someone would take her life like this.”
Another community member, Mr. Gbenga Adewale, added, “We are afraid. If this could happen to her, it could happen to anyone. The police need to act fast to ensure the safety of everyone in this area.”
In a joint statement, the Ajine and Ochong families condemned the murder and demanded swift action from the Ogun State Police Command.
“This murder is a tragedy not just for our family but for society as a whole. We call on the Ogun State Police Command to intensify their efforts in investigating this case and ensuring that the killers are brought to book,” the statement read.
The family also called on government and human rights organisations to support their pursuit of justice, stressing that such violence must not be allowed to persist.
When contacted, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer Omolola Odutola stated that she would gather more information about the crime but had not provided updates as of press time.
Civil Society Organisations Demand Justice
Two civil rights organisations, the Human Rights Advocacy Watch Campaign and the All Nigerian Women League have condemned the killing in a joint statement signed by their presidents, Mabel Ndinne and Maureen Fineface.
“This brutal killing of Mrs. Gloria Peter Ajine is not just an attack on one family but an attack on our collective humanity,” the statement read. “It is heartbreaking that a woman, who was working to provide for her family, was cut down in such a horrific manner. This tragedy reflects the failure of the state to protect its citizens, particularly women, who are often more vulnerable to acts of violence in our society.”
The groups demanded a comprehensive investigation by the Ogun State Police Command and urged the swift prosecution of those responsible.
