A wave of grief has swept through River Valley Estate in Ogun State following a tragic incident in which a man allegedly killed his wife in the presence of their children before later taking his own life.
The victim, Mrs. Ganiyat Ayanwale, a mother of three, was reportedly attacked inside her residence last Thursday evening. She was rushed to Gifted Hands Hospital after neighbours responded to distress calls from the home, but she was pronounced dead at about 8:30 p.m. due to severe injuries sustained in the attack.
Eyewitnesses in the neighbourhood said the incident occurred while the couple’s children were in the house, a development that has deepened public outrage and sorrow over the case. Residents described the scene as distressing, noting that the children were left traumatised by what they witnessed.
According to accounts from neighbours, Mrs. Ayanwale was able to narrate parts of the incident while being taken to the hospital, insisting she had done nothing to provoke the attack. Medical sources later confirmed that the injuries affected her breathing and led to excessive blood loss.
Residents further alleged that the late woman’s husband, Mr. Ayoola Ayanwale, had a history of domestic abuse, claims that have renewed conversations around unchecked violence in homes and the need for early intervention.
After the incident, the suspect reportedly fled the area. However, barely 12 hours later, his body was discovered in an open field in Sotubo, another part of Ogun State. Police sources said he was found in distress and later pronounced dead, with preliminary findings suggesting suicide.
Items recovered at the scene reportedly included two mobile phones, personal identification documents and a bottle containing a suspected liquid substance.
Confirming the development, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command was aware of the incident and that investigations were ongoing, adding that a detailed statement would be issued.
The tragedy has left three young children without parents and a community struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Neighbours described Mrs. Ayanwale as quiet and hardworking, expressing shock that her life ended in such circumstances.
Advocates and social commentators say the incident underscores the growing concern over domestic violence in Nigeria, warning that abusive relationships often escalate when left unaddressed.
They stressed that marriage should never be endured at the expense of life and safety, urging victims of abuse to seek help early and speak out.
As the year begins, the deaths serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stronger support systems, community vigilance and decisive action against domestic violence to prevent more families from being destroyed.
