A 29-year-old mother of one, Mrs Gloria Peter Ajine, was brutally murdered by unknown assailants while harvesting vegetables on her farm in Ilewo Orile in Abeokuta North, Ogun State.
According to Punch, Gloria had gone to her farm that afternoon to gather vegetables in preparation for the market day on 16 January 2025 but never returned home.
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.
Her grieving husband, Mr Peter Ajine, recounted the harrowing discovery, describing the m8rder as “an unspeakable act of violence” that has left a void in their lives.
“I still cannot believe she’s gone. Gloria was the light of our family,” he said with tears in his eyes.
“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 d!e like this. My heart is shattered.
“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 d!ed 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 m8rder 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. We are calling on the government, the police, and everyone to help us find those who did this. Gloria’s life cannot end like this, without justice,” he cried.
“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 have expressed shock over the incident, describing it as a rare and gruesome crime in their peaceful community.
Neighbours who knew Gloria spoke of her kindness and diligence in providing for her family.
“This is a tragedy,” said Mrs Rukayat Oladimeji, a neighbour. “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 organizations to support their quest for justice, stressing that such acts of violence must not be allowed to continue unchecked.
