A 29-year-old mother of one, Mrs Gloria Peter Ajine, was on Wednesday murdered while harvesting vegetables on her farm, in Ilewo Orile, Abeokuta North local government area of Ogun State.
Gloria, who was described by her family as a hardworking and devoted woman, went to her farm on Wednesday afternoon to gather vegetables in preparation for the market day on Thursday January 16, but she never returned home.
Speaking on the tragic murder of his wife, her husband, Mr Peter Ajine, 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.”
The family revealed that Gloria was found hours later on her farm, lying lifeless in a pool of blood. The assailants, who remain unidentified, had attacked her in what they described as a “cold-blooded manner.”
Mr. Ajine called the murder of his wife “an unspeakable act of violence that has left a void in our lives.”
He 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.”
He then called on law enforcement agencies in the State to launch a full investigation into the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Holding their one-year-old child in his arms, Peter made an emotional plea to the authorities.
“I have lost my wife, my partner, and my best friend. Our son has lost his mother,” he cried.
“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.”
Residents of Ilewo Orile also spoke of Gloria kindness and diligence in providing for her family, describing her gruesome murder “as a rare and gruesome crime in their peaceful community”.
A neighbour, Mrs. Rukayat Oladimeji, 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.”
The Ajine and Ochong families have jointly issued a statement condemning the act and demanding swift action.
“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 appealed to the government and human rights organisations to support their quest for justice, stressing that such acts of violence must not be allowed to continue unchecked.
Efforts to get reaction from the spokesperson of Ogun State Police command, Omolola Odutola proved abortive, as she has not responded to message sent to her Whatsapp nor answer her call.
