Rising Wave of Brutal Killings in Kano: A Threat to Life, Security and Constitutional Order.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline on January 19, 2026.
The increasing incidence of brutal killings in Kano State has become a major source of fear and anxiety among residents, raising serious questions about public safety, law enforcement effectiveness, and the sanctity of human life as guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution.
In recent years, Kano has witnessed a disturbing pattern of violent crimes, many of them marked by extreme cruelty, emotional trauma, and circumstances that defy logic. While cases of homicide are reported across Nigeria, the nature and frequency of some of the killings recorded in Kano State have stood out for their shocking details and far-reaching social impact.
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A review conducted by Democracy Newsline highlights at least five murder cases that deeply unsettled the people of Kano and drew national attention.
1. The Murder of Fatima Abubakar and Her Six Children (January 2026)
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, residents of Dorayi Chiranchi in Kano metropolis were thrown into mourning following the gruesome murder of Fatima Abubakar, a 35-year-old woman, and her six children.
The Kano State Police Command confirmed that the attackers allegedly used dangerous weapons to carry out the killings. The incident sparked outrage and grief across social media platforms, with widespread calls for justice and prayers for the victims.
By Sunday morning, the police announced the arrest of three suspects. During the operation, officers reportedly recovered blood-stained clothes, weapons, and stolen items, while investigations continued. The scale and brutality of the crime remain etched in the collective memory of Kano residents.
2. The Killing of Nafiu Hafiz (2023)
Another case that Kano residents will not forget is the murder of a young man, Nafiu Hafiz, allegedly killed by a married woman named Hafsat in 2023.
Conflicting accounts initially surrounded the incident, intensifying public debate. Reports indicated that the suspect and her husband were landlords to the deceased, and that the crime occurred in their residence at Unguwa Uku, Kano.
The story dominated social media nationwide, attracting condemnation and raising concerns about domestic violence, abuse of trust, and the slow pace of justice.
3. The Killing of Five-Year-Old Hanifa Abubakar
The murder of Hanifa, a five-year-old girl, remains one of the most heartbreaking crimes in Kano’s history.
Her Quranic teacher, Abdulmalik Tanko, was convicted by a Kano High Court for kidnapping and killing the child, as well as conspiring to commit the crime. Evidence showed that he abducted Hanifa, murdered her, and buried her body in a sack.
Although the court sentenced him to death, the absence of any public update regarding the execution of the judgment has continued to fuel debates about the deterrent effect of capital punishment in Nigeria.
4. The Murder of Ummulkulsum “Ummita” Sani Buhari (2022)
In 2022, Kano was again in the national spotlight following the killing of Ummulkulsum Sani Buhari, popularly known as Ummita.
A Chinese national, Geng Quangrong, was accused of stabbing her to death at her family home in Janbulo after allegedly following her there. The case generated weeks of intense online debate, particularly after the accused admitted to the killing in court and claimed to have spent over ₦60 million on the victim.
The incident raised sensitive questions about justice, foreign nationals, gender-based violence, and the value of human life.
5. A Mother Accused of Killing Her Two Children (2020)
In October 2020, residents of Sagagi area in Kano were shocked by allegations that a mother killed her two children: Yusuf Ibrahim (5) and Zahra’u Ibrahim (3).
Police confirmed the deaths, while relatives of the suspect later told investigators that she had suffered from mental illness for years. The case highlighted the intersection between crime, mental health, and inadequate social support systems.
Growing Fear and Changes in Daily Life
Across several parts of Kano State, fear continues to spread, particularly among women who stay at home. Residents report changes in lifestyle, increased vigilance, and stricter security routines.
A woman living in Sheka area, who requested anonymity, said:
“We no longer open the door immediately. We must confirm who is knocking. Even if it is a child, we check first.” Security experts note that such precautions—locking doors and windows, avoiding exposure to dangerous objects, and learning basic self-defence—can reduce vulnerability.
However, they stress that self-defence is about survival, not confrontation.
Community members such as Malam Ibrahim and Alfa Ismaila and Hjiyan Binta Abdullahi in Sheka area added that shouting for help during danger often alerts neighbours and discourages criminals.
Beyond physical security, many women say prayers and spiritual devotion provide emotional strength and reassurance. Experts argue that combining physical vigilance with psychological and spiritual resilience can help communities cope during periods of insecurity.
In 2026, Kano State faces multiple security challenges, including murder, kidnapping, phone snatching, and armed robbery.
Urban flashpoints include:
A. Cikin Birni – rising incidents of robbery and violence.
B. Sharada – identified as one of the areas with the highest crime rates.
3. Dorayi Chiranchi – site of the recent mass killing.
4. Fagge, Koki, and Tsohuwar Gandu – frequent phone snatching and armed attacks.
5. Kurna and Rijiyar Lemo – high population density with recurring security issues.
In rural areas, kidnapping has become more prevalent, especially in communities bordering Katsina State. At least seven local government areas face heightened threats, including Tsanyawa, Shanono, Gwarzo (particularly Lakwaya), Kunchi, Bagwai, Karaye, and Rogo, where bandits exploit forest routes.
The Kano State Government has announced several measures to address insecurity:
1. Neighborhood Watch Initiative: Recruitment of 2,000 personnel to support conventional security agencies.
2. 2026 Security Budget: Over ₦2.7 billion allocated for security equipment and the establishment of an Emergency Operations Centre at Government House.
3. Motorcycle Restrictions: Stricter enforcement of motorcycle bans in some rural areas to curb bandit movement.
Authorities have also urged citizens to report suspicious individuals and activities within their neighbourhoods.
Constitutional and Legal Perspective
Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the right to life, stating that no person shall be deprived of life except in execution of a court sentence for a criminal offence.
However, Nigeria faces a paradox: courts continue to sentence convicted murderers to death, yet executions are rarely carried out. Correctional facilities are overcrowded with inmates on death row, many of whom remain there for decades.
The reluctance of governors to sign execution warrants has weakened the deterrent effect of capital punishment. Legal analysts warn that without reform—either through consistent enforcement or alternative sentencing—there is a risk of citizens resorting to self-help and mob justice, a dangerous trend already emerging in parts of the country.
While government must strengthen law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and judicial efficiency, communities must also remain vigilant, cooperative, and law-abiding.
Protecting life is not only a moral obligation but a constitutional duty. Failure to address the growing wave of violent crime threatens social order, public trust, and the very foundation of the rule of law in Kano State and Nigeria at large.
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(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 19TH 2026)
