The quiet farming community of Ilewo Orile in Abeokuta North, Ogun State, was thrown into mourning on Wednesday after a 29-year-old mother of one, Mrs Gloria Peter Ajine, was brutally murdered while harvesting vegetables on her farm.
Gloria, described by her family as a hardworking and devoted woman, had gone to her farm that afternoon to gather vegetables in preparation for the market day on 16 January.
Tragically, she never returned home.
Her grieving husband, Mr Peter Ajine, recounted the harrowing discovery with tears in his eyes. “I still cannot believe she’s gone. Gloria was the light of our family,” he said.
“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.”
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. Her husband and their young child had relocated to Ogun State to build a better life.
Speaking on behalf of the family, her husband called the murder “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.”
The family has called on law enforcement agencies in Ogun 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.” (Punch)