What was once a quiet and peaceful River Valley Estate in the Ojodu area of Lagos has been thrown into mourning following the alleged murder of a mother of three, Mrs. Ayanwale Ayobami Ganiyatu, reportedly at the hands of her husband, Mr. Ayoola Ayanwale, who is now on the run.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday night at about 8 p.m. at the couple’s residence on Olutayo Alao Street, sending waves of shock, fear, and grief through the entire community.
Residents who spoke to our Senior Crime Correspondent described hearing unusual noises before later discovering that the woman had allegedly been stabbed to death inside her apartment. By Friday morning, the once lively home had turned into a silent crime scene, with personal belongings scattered across the floor — a painful reminder of a life abruptly cut short.
Neighbours say the apartment appeared hastily cleaned, unlike its usual neat condition, raising further suspicions about attempts to conceal evidence.
In the same compound lives an elderly man who was said to be very close to the deceased. Unaware that a murder had taken place just hours earlier, he broke down in tears when informed of the tragedy.
According to him, the deceased was more than just a neighbour. “She was like my daughter. She helped me with errands and even kept my ATM card for me,” he said tearfully.
However, a more disturbing revelation came from a young girl living with the elderly man. She claimed that on the night of the incident, the suspect allegedly offered her money and urged her to run away from the compound.
She said she refused, not knowing what was about to happen.
According to her account, the suspect had allegedly poisoned a pot of stew in their apartment before leaving to attack his wife.
Even hours after the incident, residents say a strong chemical smell — suspected to be from a dangerous substance — was still noticeable in the kitchen, while the pot of stew remained untouched, raising questions about who the poison was originally meant for.
Another resident disclosed that the alleged killing may have followed a history of domestic abuse. “This was not the first time. We have seen and heard issues between them before,” the resident said.
The deceased’s elder brother, Mr. Muritala Sogbade, who visited the scene, said the injuries on his sister’s body were severe, adding that more than four stab wounds were discovered.“What we saw was terrible. My sister was brutally attacked. This is not something anyone should go through,” he said.
A warning sticker seen on the couple’s door has also fueled conversations among residents, many of whom now believe that signs of danger may have been overlooked.
Some residents further alleged that the suspect escaped by jumping over the fence of the compound after committing the crime.
As of the time of filing this report, the suspect remains at large, but the deceased’s family confirmed that the case has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police, and investigations are ongoing.
For residents of River Valley Estate, the tragedy has left behind not only grief but also fear, as many struggle to understand how such violence could occur in what was once considered a safe and peaceful environment.
As the community mourns, one family is left to grapple with an unimaginable loss — a mother gone, children left behind, and questions that may only be answered when justice finally catches up with the suspect.
