Amanze Chinonye
The Kano State Police Command has arrested three principal suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a housewife and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano metropolis, in a development that has sparked widespread public reaction and renewed calls for justice and improved security.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led sting operation carried out between 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, and 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, under the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the supervision of the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, identified the suspects as Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters; Isyaku Yakubu, 40, also known as “Chebe,” of Sagagi Quarters; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21, popularly called “Wawo,” of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters, all in Kano.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the police, Umar Auwalu, who was described as the leader of the syndicate and a nephew of the deceased housewife, confessed to masterminding the killings. He reportedly admitted that the same group had been involved in other violent crimes in Kano, including the killing and burning of two housewives in Tudun Yola Quarters in recent times.
Items recovered from the suspects include blood-stained clothing, two mobile phones belonging to the deceased, a cutlass, a club locally known as gora, and cash allegedly stolen from the scene. The police said investigations were ongoing, adding that further arrests could be made.
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The Command assured residents that the suspects would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The arrests have been welcomed by residents and commentators, many of whom described the development as a step toward justice for the victims. Reacting to the development, a public affairs commentator commended the Kano State Police Command for its swift action but stressed that the arrests were only the beginning.
“This is the first leg. The Command must ensure a thorough investigation and that these suspects are prosecuted and brought to book. They must face the full wrath of the law,” the commentator said, adding that the case would be followed to its logical conclusion.
The killings have also drawn national attention. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable, lamenting what he called the continued violence against innocent Nigerians.
“I am heartbroken by the gruesome killing of a mother and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi, Kano. This senseless violence against innocent Nigerians is unacceptable,” Atiku said in a statement. He urged security agencies to act decisively, questioning whether existing directives to tackle insecurity were being effectively implemented or merely amounted to political rhetoric.
He called on security agencies to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and take concrete measures to protect lives across the country, stressing the need to end what he described as a growing culture of violence.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, commending its officers for the operation and thanking members of the public for their cooperation and support.
As investigations continue, residents of Dorayi Chiranchi and the wider Kano metropolis remain hopeful that justice will be served for the victims, while calls persist for sustained security measures to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
