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Abiodun Ilumoka |
‘SHE DREAMED OF BECOMING A MOTHER’
Family’s shock as ‘beloved’ Abiodun is stabbed to death while pregnant
A PREGNANT woman who was stabbed to death on Saturday had “dreamed of becoming a mother”, her family have told the Tribune.
Six months pregnant Abiodun Ilumoka, known as Abi to her family, and her unborn daughter, who she planned to call Grace, died in hospital after being attacked at home in Essex Road.
Neighbours called police to the flat, on a crescent off Essex Road, where they found Ms Ilumoka lying injured on her kitchen floor.
She was taken to the Royal London Hospital just before 7pm with stab wounds and a head injury but died a few hours later.
Her sister Tola, a midwife, said: “This would have been her first child. She was on top of the world. It was like the Royal baby was on the way.
“Her dream was to be a mother. As a sister she was very shy, quiet, always smiling.”
A row of flowers from friends and family has been laid outside her flat below a police cordon tape, put up to keep the scene clear for forensic examinations. So far officers have recovered what is believed to be a kitchen knife used in the attack.
A post mortem at St Pancras Coroner’s Court gave the cause of death as blunt trauma to the head and multiple stab wounds.
The youngest of five children, former Highbury Fields pupil Ms Ilumoka, 40, was born in Islington and grew up around Essex Road. She lived only a few streets away from her mother and worked as a sales assistant for Marks and Spencer.
Her sister said: “It’s your worst nightmare. We’re all very worried about our elderly mum – she’s 73-years-old.
“She’s trying to get through this. She still wakes up crying. It’s just destroyed so many lives.
“The police were guardian angels. They were very caring.”
She added: “Abi was born and bred in Islington. Our father died when we were young. Our mother raised us almost single handedly. The rest of us are academics and professionals but (Abi) was the most laid-back. The job she enjoyed [most] was working at Marks and Spencer.
“She was a lovely girl, she loved children. Her baby would have been mum’s eighth grandchild.”
Ms Ilumoka’s niece Lola Shotinwa said: “She was simple, friendly, fun-loving and outgoing.”
Her brother Gbenga released a statement on behalf of the family.
He said: “The Ilumoka family are devastated at the sudden loss of their beloved daughter, sister and auntie Abi.
“She was well-loved by all those that knew her and will be most remembered for her cheerfulness and generous disposition.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the medical team who did their utmost to save Abi and her unborn child. We would also like to thank the police for their prompt response to the initial 999 emergency call and for attending the crime scene immediately.
“We would also like to extend our gratitude to the police team that attended the crime scene and for the invaluable and continued support they have provided, which has played a major part in helping our family come to terms with this most tragic event.
“Our family are deeply grieved regarding this sudden terror but the Lord our God will support and uplift our family in these times of sorrow.”
The attack has left neighbours stunned.
Junior Cofarrier, who lived close by, said: “She was friendly, always happy and smiling. But she was more friendly with my wife and kids. My wife was telling me how she was so happy to be having her first baby. She was going to call her Grace.
“I was shocked this happened. My youngest child was scared of coming home at first, saying ‘Daddy, I don’t want to live here anymore’. I had to explain to her there’s not going to be any more danger.”
Anyone wishing to find out about funeral arrangements should contact the family home.
* Benjamin Anabah, 32, of Essex Road, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday), charged with the murder of his partner Abiodun Ilumoka on Saturday. |
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