Kano Massacre: Father of prime suspect calls for swift punishment

The father of the prime suspect arrested over the gruesome killing of seven members of a family in Dorayi Chiranchi area of Kano metropolis has called on authorities to punish his son without delay.

The suspect’s father, Malam Auwal, made the appeal while reacting to the murder of his younger sister, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children, an incident that has shocked Kano State and drawn national outrage.

Fatima, 35, and her children were reportedly murdered after assailants, allegedly led by Umar Auwal, stormed their residence at Dorayi Gidan Kwari in broad daylight on Saturday.

The victims were identified as Maimuna (17), Aisha (16), Bashir (13), Abubakar (10), Faruk (7) and Abdussalam, aged one and a half years.

Umar, who is currently in police custody, is accused of killing his aunt and her children with dangerous weapons. Police sources also alleged that he confessed to involvement in an earlier attack in Tudun Yola, where two housewives were murdered and a house set ablaze.

Speaking during a radio interview in Kano, Malam Auwal distanced himself from his son, describing him as a danger to society and insisting that justice should be swift.

“What he did to my younger sister and her six children is unforgivable. I completely dissociate myself from him,” he said.

He further alleged that Umar had previously killed another family member years ago, accusing him of extreme brutality.

“I don’t want them to waste time. People like Umar should not be kept and fed with taxpayers’ money. He should be punished immediately,” he added.

The distraught father said he had accepted the loss as fate and vowed that neither he nor Umar’s mother would attend court proceedings during the trial.

Tinubu Condemns Killings, Orders Investigation

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the murder, describing it as barbaric and deeply troubling.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the police for the swift arrest of the suspects and ordered a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.

The President also extended condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Kano State.

Kano Government Takes Over Prosecution

Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has announced that it has taken over the prosecution of suspects linked to the killings.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, said the decision followed a directive from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to ensure justice for the victims.

Maude described the killings as a grave assault on humanity and the rule of law, assuring residents that due process would be strictly followed.

“My office has assumed responsibility for the prosecution to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done,” he said.

He also commended the Kano State Police Command for their swift and professional response and urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies.

Peter Obi Commends Police Response

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, also reacted to the incident, describing it as a devastating tragedy that has plunged the nation into mourning.

In a statement, Obi praised the Nigerian Police Force for the speed with which the suspects were apprehended, saying the action showed that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges.

“The horrifying murder of a housewife and her six children is a deep sorrow for our nation,” Obi said.

He added that sustained, intelligence-driven policing would help restore public confidence and significantly reduce crime across communities.