2 Suspects, 1 Relative Arrested Over Murder Of Kano Woman, 6 Children

Kano State Police Command has arrested three principal suspects in connection with the killing of a housewife and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of Kano metropolis.

According to the police, one of the suspects is a nephew of the deceased.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led sting operation ordered by the inspector-general of police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and carried out under the supervision of the commissioner of police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

Police spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the suspects were apprehended between 10pm on January 17, and 4am on January 18, 2026. Those arrested were identified as Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters; Isyaku Yakubu, also known as “Chebe”, 40, of Sagagi Quarters; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, popularly called “Wawo”, 21, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters.

According to the police, Umar Auwalu, alleged to be the leader of the group and a nephew of the deceased woman, confessed during interrogation. He reportedly admitted involvement in the Dorayi Chiranchi killings and claimed the syndicate was linked to other violent crimes in the state, including the killing of two housewives in Tudun Yola Quarters.

Items recovered from the suspects included bloodstained clothing, two mobile phones belonging to the deceased, a cutlass, a club, cash allegedly taken from the scene, and other weapons believed to have been used in criminal activities.

CSP Kiyawa said investigations were ongoing and assured that the suspects would be charged in court upon conclusion of the probe. He commended the officers involved in the operation and expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation, reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Meanwhile, family members and neighbours of the victims have recounted harrowing moments surrounding the incident, which occurred at about 12:10 pm on January 17, when assailants allegedly forced their way into the residence and attacked the occupants.

A neighbour said the alarm was raised when residents noticed unusual movement in the area. “People were running around saying attackers had entered a house. We moved in with members of the vigilante group before the police arrived,” he said.

Police later confirmed the recovery of seven bodies from the premises, including children, with one reportedly found in a well within the compound.

Sadiya Abubakar, younger sister to the deceased, said she received the news with shock and disbelief. She explained that her phone battery was flat at the time, but that her sister attempted to reach her through a neighbour, warning that she and her children were in danger. “By the time we could arrive, it was too late, and we were all devastated by the incident,” she said.

Kadijat Tanimu, a niece of the deceased, described the news as like a bad dream, noting that the family rushed to the area only to meet a large crowd and see the victims being evacuated. She described the deceased as a patient and peaceful woman well known for her calm disposition.

She also noted that the tragedy was not the first violent incident linked to the extended family, recalling a previous case in Tudun Yola involving the killing of two women.

A relative of the husband, Abdulrazaq Aminu, said family members rushed to the hospital to donate blood in the hope that some of the victims might survive, but were told they had all been confirmed dead.

Rabiu Abubakar, a brother to the deceased, said he had spoken with his sister earlier that day before she called again, urging him to alert relatives and come quickly. “We thought it was a medical emergency, not that her life was under threat.”

“When we arrived, the house was quiet, and the street was not full of a crowd, but we mobilised and broke in, and gained access; it was already too late,” he said.