The Kano State Police Command has arrested three individuals in connection with the brutal murder of a housewife and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi, Kano Municipal Local Government Area, a crime that has sparked national outrage and drawn condemnation from President Bola Tinubu.
The arrests followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and were executed during an intelligence-led operation supervised by Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
Police spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a statement on Sunday, identified the suspects as Umar Auwalu, 23; Isyaku Yakubu, also known as “Chebe,” 40; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, popularly called “Wawo,” 21. They were apprehended during a coordinated operation between 10 p.m. on Saturday and 4 a.m. on Sunday.
Investigations revealed that Auwalu, a nephew of the deceased woman, masterminded the killings and confessed to planning the attack. Kiyawa said the suspects had also been involved in previous violent crimes, including the murder and burning of two housewives in Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano.
Police recovered several items from the suspects, including four blood-stained clothing items, two mobile phones belonging to the victims, a cutlass, a wooden club (locally known as a gora), cash believed to have been taken from the crime scene, and other weapons.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings as barbaric and inhumane through a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. He praised the police for the swift arrests and ordered a thorough investigation, followed by diligent prosecution to ensure justice is served.
The President also extended condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Kano State, describing the murder of Fatima Abubakar and her six children as a tragic incident that highlights the urgent need to address violent crime.
The Kano State Police Command commended its officers for their prompt action and thanked the public for their cooperation, assuring residents that the investigation is ongoing and that all responsible parties will be held accountable.