Fatal Domestic Violence in Ogun State
Ganiyat Ayanwale, a young mother of three, lost her life after a violent attack inside her residence at River Valley Estate in Ogun State by her husband. This tragic killing has once again drawn attention to the deadly toll of domestic violence in Nigeria.According to The Vanguard, when help finally arrived, it was already too late. Ganiyat had suffered severe blood loss, and critical internal injuries left her beyond saving. Doctors at Gifted Hands Hospital pronounced her dead at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The Tragic Attack
Ganiyat had spent 13 years raising her children—children who would now carry the trauma of witnessing a horror no child should ever endure. Sources revealed that after the first stab, one of the children screamed. After the second, Ganiyat reportedly tried to run, but she was dragged back and stabbed again.Despite her injuries, she managed to make her way toward the compound gate, bleeding profusely. By then, neighbours, drawn by the cries, rushed to intervene. She was quickly taken to the hospital, and along the way, witnesses say she spoke weakly, recounting what had happened and insisting that she had done nothing to deserve such violence.
“I just entered the house,” she reportedly told those helping her. “He attacked me.”
Medical Details
Medical personnel later confirmed that multiple stab wounds—some dangerously close to vital organs, including the lungs—had critically compromised her ability to breathe. She survived only a short while after being rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead minutes after arrival.
ALSO READ: A Man Entered a Hospital and Disappeared. Months Later, His Wife Is Still Searching for the Truth: ‘Where Are You?’
History of Abuse
Residents described Ganiyat’s husband, Ayoola Ayanwale, as having a history of violent behaviour toward his wife. Neighbourhood accounts suggest that shortly before the fatal attack, he allegedly tried to compel her to take a toxic substance, having sent their eldest child to purchase a commonly used pesticide.When she resisted, the younger children were reportedly shut inside a room. Ayoola then armed himself with a knife and carried out the fatal assault. Witnesses stated that the incident unfolded within the hearing—and, in some cases, the sight—of the couple’s children.
Aftermath and Suspect’s Death
Following the attack, neighbours claimed Ayoola returned to the apartment to wipe away blood stains before leaving the area. Less than half a day later, he was found in a field in Sotubo, on the outskirts of Ogun State, struggling to breathe. He was later confirmed dead, with law enforcement officials suspecting he may have taken his own life.At the scene, authorities reportedly recovered several personal items, including a bottle with an unidentified liquid, two mobile phones, a voter’s card, and an ATM card.
Final Thought
The tragic death of Ganiyat Ayanwale serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence, leaving children orphaned and a community in shock. While the alleged perpetrator also met a tragic end, the focus must remain on raising awareness, strengthening protective measures, and ensuring timely intervention to prevent such horrors from repeating.