RismadarVoice Reporters
January 20, 2026
The father of the prime suspect arrested over the gruesome killing of a woman and her six children in Kano State, Malam Auwal, has called on authorities to ensure swift punishment for his son, Umar Auwal, insisting that justice should not be delayed.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday at Dorayi Gidan Kwari in the Chiranchi area of Kano metropolis, where Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children were brutally murdered, sparking widespread outrage across the state and beyond.
Umar Auwal, who is currently in police custody, is accused of leading the attack on his aunt and her children in broad daylight. The victims have been identified as Maimuna (17), Aisha (16), Bashir (13), Abubakar (10), Faruk (7), and Abdussalam (one-and-a-half years old).
Police authorities confirmed that the suspect has confessed to the killings. He is also alleged to be involved in a separate violent incident in Tudun Yola, where two women were killed and a house set on fire.
Speaking during a radio interview in Kano, Malam Auwal publicly disowned his son, describing his actions as unacceptable and a stain on the family.
“What he committed against my younger sister and her children is condemnable. I distance myself completely from him,” he said, urging authorities to ensure justice is served without delay.
He further stated that neither he nor Umar’s mother would attend court proceedings, adding that the family had accepted the painful reality of the situation.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killings, describing the act as barbaric and deeply disturbing. In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the police for the swift arrest of the suspect and ordered a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.
“The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Kano State over this tragic loss,” the statement said.
The Kano State Government also announced that it has taken over the prosecution of all suspects connected to the case to ensure justice is achieved.
Reacting to the incident, former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, described the killings as a devastating tragedy that has plunged the nation into mourning, calling for urgent measures to address rising insecurity.
In a related development, President Tinubu has expressed grief over the death of prominent Kano businessman and community leader, Dr. Bature Abdulaziz, who passed away over the weekend.
The President described his death as a significant loss to the business community in Kano and across Nigeria, noting the deceased’s contributions to commerce and trade associations nationwide.
Dr. Abdulaziz was the National President of the Harmonized Traders Association of Nigeria and a respected figure in the country’s commercial sector.
