President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound grief and condemnation following the horrific murder of a housewife and her six children in Kano State. The tragic incident, which has sent shockwaves across Nigeria, occurred in the Chiranci community.
Presidential Condemnation and Police Action
In an official statement released on Monday, January 19, 2026, by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the killing of Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children as a gruesome and barbaric act. The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the wider community affected by this profound loss.
President Tinubu specifically commended the Nigeria Police Force for their swift action in apprehending the principal suspects connected to the crime. He has directed relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure diligent prosecution of those found responsible, underscoring the government's commitment to justice.
Political Leaders Unite in Grief
The heinous crime has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, January 18, to express his heartbreak over the incident. Atiku, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), lamented the continued killings by non-state actors, questioning whether security directives were being effectively implemented.
Similarly, another prominent ADC figure and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, issued a statement describing the murders as horrifying. The unified outcry from these leaders highlights the national scale of the tragedy and the urgent demand for improved security measures.
Suspects Arrested and Rising Crime Concerns in Kano
The Kano State Police Command, under Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the family's killing. The police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, identified the apprehended individuals as Umar Auwalu, 23; Isyaku Yakubu (aka Chebe), 40; and Yakubu Abdulaziz (aka Wawo), 21.
Investigations revealed that Auwalu, a nephew of the deceased woman, is alleged to be the ringleader and has reportedly confessed to the crime. The arrests were made during a sting operation conducted by the police.
This tragic event has intensified concerns over the rising crime rate in Kano, a state traditionally known as a hub of commerce and hospitality. Security experts and reports, including from Daily Trust, point to a worrying increase in crimes such as burglary, thuggery, phone snatching, and murder. Analysts often attribute this trend to a deterioration in socio-economic conditions and political culture, calling for comprehensive strategies to restore safety and order.
