Kano killings: Suspect’s father demands swift justice, disowns son

By Johnson Arua

Malam Auwal, father of Umar Auwal—the principal suspect in the killing of seven members of a family in Dorayi Chiranchi, Kano metropolis—has called on security agencies to ensure that his son faces swift and decisive punishment.

Umar Auwal, who is currently in police custody, is accused of killing his aunt, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children in broad daylight on Saturday.

The shocking incident has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation across Kano State and beyond.

The victims were identified as Maimuna, 17; Aisha, 16; Bashir, 13; Abubakar, 10; Faruk, 7; and Abdussalam, aged one year and six months. Their mother, Fatima Abubakar, was 35 years old.

Police authorities have confirmed that the suspect confessed to the killings. He was also said to have admitted involvement in an earlier attack in the Tudun Yola area of Kano, where two women were reportedly killed and a house set ablaze.

Speaking during an interview on Freedom Radio, Malam Auwal publicly disowned his son, describing him as a disgrace and insisting that he should not be shown any leniency.

He condemned the attack on his younger sister and her children, stressing that he wanted no association with the suspect.

The father further alleged that Umar had been linked to a violent incident years earlier involving a family member, adding that he had long lost hope in his son’s character and conduct.

While commending the police for their swift response, Malam Auwal said neither he nor Umar’s mother would attend any court proceedings related to the case, noting that they had completely distanced themselves from him.

The killings reportedly occurred after assailants, allegedly led by Umar Auwal, forced their way into the family’s residence at Dorayi Gidan Kwari.

The incident has continued to draw strong reactions from residents, community leaders, and Nigerians nationwide, many of whom have called for justice for the victims.