The serene atmosphere of Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters in Kano metropolis was shattered on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, by a horrific act of violence that has left an entire community reeling. In a brazen daytime attack, a 30-year-old mother, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children were killed, their lives cut short in a tragedy that has broken the area's long-standing reputation for peace.
A Neighbourhood's Trauma and Desperate Cries
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack occurred around 12:10 pm, a time when the children's father, Haruna Bashir, was away at the market. Neighbours were startled by frantic screams coming from the family's home. Malam Bala Abubakar, a resident, recounted hearing the mother's final, desperate plea. "I heard a woman shouting, 'Umar, please don't kill me.' I ran out immediately with just a towel around my waist," he said.
The cries alerted artisans working nearby, who raised the alarm. This prompted a swift response from neighbours and the ward head, Ahmad Ya'u Yahaya (Gidan Kwari), who converged on the scene. Despite their rushed efforts to help, they arrived too late to prevent the tragedy.
Victims Identified and Police Swift Action
The victims were identified as Fatima Abubakar, 30, and her children: Maimuna, 17; Aisha, 16; Bashir, 13; Abubakar, 10; Faruk, 7; and one-year-old Abdulsalam. They were rushed to a hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that none had survived the attack.
Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, officers arrived swiftly at the scene. Their immediate search of the area led to a crucial breakthrough. A suspect was found hiding in a toilet within the compound. This arrest subsequently led to the capture of others allegedly involved.
The Kano State Police Command spokesman, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, named the three suspects in custody as Umar Auwalu, 23; Isyaku Yakubu, 40; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21, all residents of Kano. Kiyawa stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Disturbing Twist and Calls for Justice
In a chilling detail that has added to the community's anguish, residents disclosed that some of the suspects allegedly attended the victims' funeral. They are said to have blended in with mourners, posing as sympathisers while investigators monitored their movements.
The arrests have provided a measure of relief, but the pain runs deep. Community members are now united in their demand for justice. "This pain is too much. If they are found guilty, the law must be allowed to take its course. Nothing can bring back those children," a community member stated emotionally.
While the Kano State Government is yet to issue an official statement, residents have called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to ensure diligent prosecution. The incident has also drawn condemnation from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who described the killings as a senseless act of violence against innocent Nigerians. The community's hope now rests on the judicial process to deliver justice and restore a sense of security.
