Fresh details have emerged over the gruesome killing of a 35-year-old woman, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children at Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters in Kano metropolis, with residents linking the crime to a close family member.
Fatima and her children — Maimuna (17), Aisha (16), Bashir (13), Abubakar (10), Faruk (7) and Abdussalam (18 months) — were murdered after assailants allegedly broke into their home at Dorayi Gidan Kwari on Friday.
The Kano State Police Command has arrested three suspects, including the deceased woman’s nephew, Umar Auwalu, who reportedly confessed to leading the attack.
Neighbours described the incident as shocking and unprecedented in the area. An immediate neighbour, Aminu Hamza, said the attackers locked the house before killing the victims and attempted to set their bodies on fire.
“After hearing their cries, neighbours forced the door open, but the attackers had already fled. This level of brutality is beyond comprehension,” he said, adding that some of the suspects later attended the funeral to avoid suspicion.
Another resident, Kabiru Ibrahim, said the victims were killed with heavy objects, not knives as initially reported. He alleged that Fatima’s skull was smashed with a sewing machine.
Residents also claimed that Fatima had phoned her siblings shortly before the attack to ask for help, and that her mobile phones were later found with her nephew. There were further allegations that the killings were linked to a family inheritance dispute, though this has not been independently verified.
Munif Yahaya Satatima, a resident who assisted in the arrest of one suspect, alleged that Umar Auwalu had confessed to killing two other relatives in a similar attack in Tudun Yola area of Kano in the past.
“I was told he admitted killing two housewives who were his relatives and setting their house on fire. This time, he killed seven,” Satatima claimed.
‘My Life Is Shattered’ — Husband Speaks
The husband of the slain woman, Haruna Bashir, said the killings had shattered his life beyond repair.
Speaking tearfully, Bashir said he was at a market when he received a call about the attack.
“When I returned, I saw all of them brutally killed with axes and heavy metal objects,” he said. “As a Muslim, I believe Allah tests His servants. May Allah reunite us in paradise.”
Relatives said Bashir has remained inconsolable since the incident, unable to eat or sleep.
Police Arrest Three Suspects
The Police Public Relations Officer in Kano, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said three suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation between 10:00 p.m. on January 17 and 4:00 a.m. on January 18, 2026.
Those arrested are Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu; Isyaku Yakubu (Chebe), 40, of Sagagi; and Yakubu Abdulaziz (Wawo), 21, of Sabon Gida Sharada.
Recovered items include bloodstained clothes, two mobile phones belonging to the deceased, a cutlass, a club, cash and other weapons suspected to have been used in the attack.
Kiyawa said preliminary investigations revealed that Umar Auwalu, described as the leader of the group and nephew of the deceased, confessed to the crime and admitted involvement in other violent attacks. He added that investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon completion.
Leaders Condemn Attack
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf described the killings as barbaric and unacceptable, vowing that those responsible would face justice. He directed security agencies to intensify patrols and urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the killings, questioning the effectiveness of security agencies and calling for swift justice.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended the police for their swift response but urged a thorough investigation and speedy trial.
“This is barbaric and beyond comprehension. The perpetrators must face the full wrath of the law,” he said, praying for strength for the bereaved family.
The killings have sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security and justice across Kano State.
