By Aniefiok Christopher
President Bola Tinubu, Monday, ordered a thorough investigation into the gruesome murder of a housewife, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children in Chiranci community, Kano State, describing the incident as barbaric and heartbreaking.
A statement issued by Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga to the President called for diligent prosecution of those responsible for the killing, stressing that justice must be served to deter similar crimes.
Tinubu commended the Nigeria Police Force for the swift arrest of the principal suspects linked to the killings.
Also read: Governor directs probe into attempted murder of NYSC Doctor
The President expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Kano State, noting that the loss of innocent lives was a tragedy that has shaken the nation.
Kano Governor Vows to Sign death sentence of convicts
However, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has vowed to sign the death warrants of suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Kano housewife Fatima Abubakar and her six children once they are convicted by a court of law.
Yusuf made the pledge during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, assuring that all those found culpable would face prosecution.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Governor Yusuf directed the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to fast-track the prosecution of the suspects.
“The Governor also promised to sign the death warrant for any convict found guilty in the Chiranci Dorayi killings. He added that the same would apply to the killers of Hanifa and the Gezawa arsonists once convicted,” the statement said.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their swift action that led to the suspects’ arrest.
In a show of support to the bereaved husband, Governor Yusuf announced a welfare package including a Hajj or Umrah seat, a new house, and full assistance for his rehabilitation.
“The state government will also support him should he choose to remarry, taking care of all necessary requirements to help him restart his life,” the statement added.
In appreciation, the bereaved father, Haruna Bashir, donated his personal house to the Kano State Government for the construction of an Islamiyya school to benefit the community.
Background
Residents of Chiranchi, Dorayi Quarters in Gwale Local Government Area, are still reeling from the brutal murder of a housewife, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children, who were killed in their home on Saturday.
The victims were identified as Maimuna, 17, Aisha, 16, Bashir, 13, Abubakar, 10, Faruk, 7, and Abdulsalam, 1 years old respectively.
A neighbour, Malam Bala Abubakar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dorayi on Monday.
Abubakar described the moment he heard frantic shouts and screams for help, prompting him to rush outside, still wrapped in a towel, to join other neighbours who had poured into the narrow street.
Abubakar stated that the attackers used a sewing machine head to crush the skulls of the innocent children, killing them in cold blood and leaving them dead in a pool of blood.
The police had arrested three suspects, including Umar Auwalu, 23, a nephew of the deceased woman, who confessed to leading the attack.
The suspects were apprehended during a sting operation conducted between 10 pm on January 17 and 4 am on January 18, 2026.
Items recovered from the suspects include blood-stained clothes, two mobile phones belonging to the victims, a cutlass, and a club.
“When officers arrived, they moved swiftly, combing the premises and nearby areas,” Abubukar added.
The community in Dorayi Chiranchi, Kano, is still reeling from the brutal murder of Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children.
Neighbours, including bricklayers working on a nearby house, were alerted by screams and quickly rushed to the scene.
Malam Bala, a neighbour, insisted that the community did not stand idly by, saying, “everyone came out, we all rushed to help.
“The residents surrounded the building to prevent the attackers’ escape and alerted security agencies.
“They also reported hearing the victim’s distressed cries, including her plea to “Umar, please don’t kill me,” implicating one of the attackers, Umar Auwalu, who is also the victim’s nephew.
“The police arrived promptly, combed the premises, and arrested three suspects, including Auwalu.”
According to Malam Bala, it soon became clear that the attackers had not fled the scene but were hiding within the compound.
One suspect was discovered concealed in a toilet and was secured by security personnel, who believed he could lead them to others involved.
