Young Mother of Three Stabbed to Death in Ogun State Amid Domestic Violence Tragedy
Ganiyat, a mother of three, was fatally stabbed inside her home at River Valley Estate, Ogun State, in a chilling incident that underscores the deadly consequences of domestic violence. By the time she was rushed to Gifted Hands Hospital, she had lost a critical amount of blood and suffered severe internal injuries. She was pronounced dead at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The attack occurred in front of her children, who reportedly screamed as the violence unfolded. Neighbours intervened after hearing the commotion, helping carry her to the hospital. On the way, Ganiyat allegedly told them in broken breaths, “I just entered the house. He attacked me. I did nothing wrong.”
Doctors confirmed that knife wounds, including injuries near her lungs, made it impossible for her to survive.
According to neighbours, her husband, Mr. Ayoola Ayanwale, had a history of domestic abuse. He allegedly attempted to force Ganiyat to ingest a poisonous substance before turning to a knife when she refused. Witnesses said he stabbed her multiple times while locking the younger children in a room. After the attack, he reportedly returned to clean up the blood before fleeing.
Less than 12 hours later, Ayanwale was found in an open field in Sotubo, Ogun State, and was later pronounced dead in what police suspect was suicide. Items recovered at the scene included a bottle with a suspected liquid, two phones, a voter’s card, and an ATM card.
Confirming the incident, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, said the command is aware and will release a detailed statement.
The tragedy leaves three children without parents, forced to carry memories of violence and fear. Neighbours recalled that even in her final moments, Ganiyat asked for water and wondered what she had done to deserve such brutality.
Experts warn that abusive relationships rarely improve without intervention. Advocates stress that staying alive is more important than staying in a dangerous marriage, and that silence can escalate abuse to fatal outcomes.
This heartbreaking story is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence across Nigeria.
