By Ibrahim Ishaq Rano
“From broken homes to broken lives: how neglect, fear, and weak justice systems fuel violence”
In recent times, few realities have unsettled our collective conscience as deeply as the rising tide of violence claiming innocent lives across our communities. Men, women, and even children are being killed without warning—sometimes out of hatred, sometimes out of greed, and often for reasons that defy basic human sense.
What is most alarming, however, is not only the brutality itself, but how quickly it is becoming normal—absorbed into everyday conversations as though human life has lost its sacred value.
As this grim pattern intensifies, it becomes imperative to confront uncomfortable truths. Violence, especially within homes and close communities, does not emerge overnight. It is nurtured by neglect, fear, silence, and weak systems of accountability. To understand where we are, we must examine both the roots of the problem and the paths toward meaningful solutions.
A Hausa proverb warns that “Idan Ɓera da sata, Daddawa da wari” (When a Rat steals locust beans, the stench will expose it.) Yet, as a society, we often pretend not to notice the stench. Citizens hesitate to speak out, institutions delay decisive action, and fear restrains communities from challenging wrongdoing.
This climate emboldens perpetrators, who operate with the confidence that justice will be slow, selective, or entirely absent. In such an environment, violence thrives.
Recent events in Kano painfully illustrate this reality. On January 17, 2026, residents of Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters awoke to one of the most horrifying crimes in recent memory—the brutal murder of Fatima Abubakar and her six children inside their home. Reports indicated that even an infant was not spared.
Following public outrage, the Kano State Police Command confirmed the arrest of suspects connected to the crime and assured the public that investigations were ongoing to ensure that justice is served without compromise.
While these arrests offered a measure of reassurance, the tragedy remains a stark reminder that the home—once regarded as a sanctuary—has become a site of grave danger.
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Another disturbing case occurred on May 6, 2025, when 18-year-old Saudat Jibril was arrested in Farawa Quarters for allegedly killing her husband. Law enforcement swiftly intervened, and the suspect was charged accordingly. The incident exposed how unresolved domestic conflict can escalate into fatal violence when support systems fail.
Similarly, on September 25, 2025, a dispute over food in Kofar Dawanau, Dala Local Government Area, reportedly led to the killing of two elderly grandparents by their grandson. Investigations suggested possible drug influence, once again highlighting how poverty, substance abuse, and family breakdown intersect to produce tragic outcomes.
“When violence becomes normal inside the home, society itself is already under siege.”
Government authorities often emphasize arrest figures and investigations, and indeed, law enforcement in Kano has recorded thousands of arrests linked to violent and related crimes.
However, policing alone cannot resolve a problem that is deeply social. Justice delayed—or inconsistently applied—only reinforces the perception that violence carries little consequence.
Beyond government action lies a responsibility we rarely confront honestly: the role of the family. Many parents bring children into the world without the capacity—financial, moral, or emotional to raise them responsibly.
When children grow up without proper guidance, education, discipline, or care, society eventually pays the price. A child neglected at home may become a danger on the streets. This is a bitter truth we often avoid, but one that must be acknowledged if meaningful change is to occur.
Ending domestic and community violence, therefore, demands a multi-layered response. The government must strengthen justice systems, ensure swift and impartial punishment for offenders, and invest in preventive social services.
Communities must reject the culture of silence that protects abusers. Religious leaders, educators, and traditional institutions must consistently reinforce the sanctity of human life. Parents, above all, must recognise that raising children responsibly is not optional—it is a duty with direct consequences for societal survival.
Domestic violence is not merely a private matter; it is a public crisis and a direct threat to human survival. When brutality takes root in the home, it spreads outward, corroding social trust and undermining our shared humanity. If we truly desire peace, safety, and dignity, then confronting violence without excuses or delay must become a collective priority.
Rano, a media professional, writes from Kano and can be reached at danuwarano@gmail.com.
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