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By Oscar Okhifo
A young mother’s smile has turned into a haunting memory after she was brutally killed by her husband in front of their children in Ogun State.
Ganiyat Ayanwale, captured in a photograph taken just days before her cruel death, appeared unaware that her life would end so tragically.
The shocking incident occurred on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the family home in River Valley Estate.
Witnesses say her husband, Ayoola Ayanwale, allegedly tried to force her to ingest poison before stabbing her multiple times, leaving the couple’s children to witness the horror firsthand.
Neighbors witnessed the horrific scene. One of them who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “We heard screaming and ran to their house. When we got there, the man was stabbing her, and the children were crying. It was terrifying.
“What I saw was splash of blood everywhere, even on the clothes of the children. I wish I didn’t see that scene. It was bizarre. I can never forget.”
Ganiyat tried to escape but was dragged back and stabbed repeatedly, sustaining severe injuries including wounds near her lungs.
On the way to Gifted Hands Hospital, she reportedly told rescuers in broken breaths:
“He attacked me… please help my children.”
She was pronounced dead on arrival.
Less than 12 hours after the attack, Ayoola Ayanwale was found in an open field in Sotubo, Ogun State, barely breathing. Police believe he took his own life, and investigators recovered a bottle of suspected poison, two mobile phones, a voter’s card, and an ATM card near his body.
The couple’s three children, who witnessed the horrifying attack, are now being cared for by relatives, as the community struggles to come to terms with the tragedy.
Neighbours described the incident as “shocking” and urged greater vigilance against domestic violence. One resident said:
“It is heartbreaking. We never imagined something like this could happen here. It has left everyone in the neighbourhood shaken.