Tragic Kano Attack: Gunmen Kill Woman and Six Children in Home

Gunmen on Saturday killed a woman and her six children after breaking into their home in Darayi quarters, Kano Municipal Local Government Area, plunging the neighbourhood into grief and panic. The victims, identified as Fatima Abubakar and her six children, were found lifeless inside the residence after neighbours raised the alarm on discovering the bodies. The family was later evacuated to the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, where medical personnel confirmed that all seven victims were dead. The Kano State Police Command said it received a distress call about the attack at approximately 12:10 p.m. on January 17, 2025. According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that the victims were brutally assaulted with dangerous weapons after unknown gunmen invaded the house. Read also: Policeman killed as gunmen kidnap Chinese expatriate in Oyo Abdullahi Kiyawa, the police spokesperson in the state, said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation into the killings and deployed tactical operatives to secure the scene and begin preliminary inquiries. “Upon receiving the report, the commissioner of police immediately deployed a tactical police team to the scene,” Kiyawa said. “The team was led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani.” Kiyawa said the commissioner further directed the assistant commissioner of police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Wada Jarma, to take over the investigation and lead a full-scale probe into the circumstances surrounding the attack. He said detectives have commenced intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend those responsible. Residents of Darayi quarters described the incident as shocking and unprecedented, noting that the area is usually calm. Some neighbours said they were drawn to the house after noticing unusual silence and signs of forced entry, prompting them to alert security operatives. The killings triggered fear across the community, with residents calling for increased police patrols and stronger security measures to prevent similar attacks. Community leaders also appealed to the authorities to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. Read also: Police station razed as 30 gunmen attack Ondo community The police command said it had extended condolences to the bereaved family and sympathised with residents of the area over the tragic loss. Kiyawa assured the public that the command remains committed to uncovering the truth behind the attack and prosecuting those involved. “The Kano State Police Command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the culprits are arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” he said, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators. Police also appealed to the public to provide any useful information that could aid the investigation, assuring that all tips would be treated with strict confidentiality as efforts continue to unravel the motive behind the deadly attack. The incident adds to growing concerns over violent crimes targeting civilians and families, underscoring renewed calls for stronger community policing and proactive security measures across Kano State.