Fresh outrage continues to trail the gruesome killing of a woman and her six children in the Dorayi Chiranchi area of Kano, as the father of the prime suspect, Malam Auwal, publicly called for his son to be punished without delay.
The suspect, Umar Auwal, is accused of leading the attack that claimed the lives of his aunt, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children at their home in Dorayi Gidan Kwari. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight on Saturday, has sparked widespread anger and grief across Kano State and beyond.
Speaking during a radio interview, Malam Auwal distanced himself completely from his son, describing him as “useless to society” and insisting that justice should be swift. He said Umar deserved no sympathy for what he did to his family, adding that he would rather see him punished than kept in prison at public expense.
The victims were identified as Maimuna (17), Aisha (16), Bashir (13), Abubakar (10), Faruk (7), and Abdussalam, aged one and a half years. Police confirmed that Umar, who is currently in custody, confessed not only to the Dorayi killings but also to an earlier violent attack in Tudun Yola, where two housewives were reportedly murdered and their house set ablaze.
Reacting to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings as barbaric and ordered a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of all suspects. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the police for the swift arrest of the suspects and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
The Kano State Government has also stepped in, announcing it will take over the prosecution of the case. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, said the decision followed a directive from Governor Abba Yusuf to ensure justice is served. He assured residents that the case would be handled with transparency and strict adherence to due process.
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also described the incident as a devastating national tragedy. While expressing deep sorrow, he praised the police for their quick response, noting that consistent, intelligence-driven policing could significantly reduce crime and rebuild public trust.
As investigations continue, the massacre has reignited conversations about violent crime, justice, and accountability, with many Nigerians demanding that the full weight of the law be applied to all those responsible.
