Police authorities in Kano, northwestern Nigeria, have announced the arrest of 3 suspects in connection with the recent, tragic killing in cold blood of a mother and her six children, including a 3-year-old baby, in their home in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano metropolis.
On 17 January 2026, Nigerians woke up to the gruesome murder of 35-year-old Fatima Abubakar and her six children: Maimuna, 17 years, Aisha, 16, Bashir, 13, Abubakar, 10, Faruk, 7, and Abdussalam, 1.
The victims were taken to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, where they were confirmed dead.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command, which got a distress call around 12:10 pm, dispatched officers to trail the suspects.
The police spokesperson in the state, Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrest of 3 suspects, residents of Kano, aged between 40, and 21 in connection with the crime.
Mr. Kiyawa gave their names as 23-year-old Umar Auwalu, the mother’s nephew and alleged mastermind; a resident of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters; Isyaku Yakubu, nicknamed ‘Chebe,’ 40 from Sagagi Quarters; and 21-year-old Yakubu Abdulaziz, also known as “Wawo” from Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters.
Police authorities, who stated that the cause of the crime is still under investigation, commended the efforts of officers who made the arrest and members of the public “for their prayers, support, encouragement, and cooperation.”
The incident has heightened security concerns in Kano State, leaving members of the community in shock.
Kano residents appealed to relevant authorities, faith-based bodies, civil society organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to come together and extend support, care, and dignity to the father and widower in this difficult time.
