President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full federal investigation into the brutal killing of a woman and her six children in Kano State, condemning the massacre and commiserating with the bereaved family as Nigerians reel from shock and outrage over the tragedy.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the killings as “barbaric” and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of Kano metropolis. Tinubu directed security agencies to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances leading to the atrocity and to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
“The President condemned the action as barbaric and condoled with the bereaved family over the tragedy,” the presidential statement said, adding that the federal government remains committed to protecting lives and property across the country. He also commended the Kano State Police Command for the swift arrest of principal suspects in connection with the heinous act and ordered that they be diligently prosecuted.
The victims, identified as Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children were reportedly attacked in their home by suspected hoodlums on Saturday, leaving the community in mourning and disbelief. The assailants broke into the residence and inflicted fatal injuries using dangerous weapons, according to local police reports.
The incident triggered an immediate response from security operatives. The Kano State Police Command, acting on directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, carried out intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of three principal suspects in the early hours after the killings.
Police identified the arrested men as Umar Auwalu (23), Isyaku Yakubu (40) — also known as “Chebe” — and Yakubu Abdulaziz (21), alias “Wawo”. According to the police, Umar Auwalu, who is reported to be a nephew of the deceased woman, confessed to masterminding the attack and admitted that the alleged syndicate has been involved in a series of violent crimes across Kano metropolis.
Recovered from the suspects were several pieces of evidence including blood-stained clothing, two mobile phones believed to belong to the victims, a cutlass, a wooden club (locally known as gora) and cash allegedly taken from the scene. Police said further investigations are ongoing to identify other accomplices and establish the full motive behind the killings.
The tragic event has drawn strong condemnation from various quarters, including political figures and civil society groups. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar expressed his grief over the killings and faulted the state’s security response, calling for sustained action to prevent a recurrence of similar atrocities.
At the state level, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the killings as “barbaric, senseless and a grave assault on human dignity,” vowing that his administration would ensure that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted. He ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators, directed intensified community surveillance, and appealed to residents to remain calm while cooperating with law enforcement.
The governor’s statement highlighted the grievances of the Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters community, where residents have been left in shock and fear following the brutal loss of an entire family. Community leaders and neighbours have called for improved security measures and greater protection in vulnerable areas to avert future attacks.
Security analysts say the killing underscores persistent challenges in public safety and policing in urban areas across Northern Nigeria. Despite ongoing efforts by federal and state authorities to strengthen security infrastructure, incidents like this continue to expose gaps that opportunistic criminal elements exploit, leaving ordinary citizens vulnerable.
The president’s directive for a federal probe aims to complement the state police investigation, with the hope that a thorough inquiry will uncover underlying causes, hold perpetrators accountable and send a strong message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated in the country.
As the investigation proceeds, Nigerians across the political and social spectrum await further developments, urging swift justice for the Abubakar family and renewed focus on bolstering community security and crime prevention strategies nationwide.
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