A quiet community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has been thrown into deep shock following the alleged killing of a 70-year-old woman, Hauwa Abubakar, by her step-grandson, Ibrahim Mutari, aged 20.
The tragic incident reportedly happened around 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Yanbula community, an area known for its close family ties and peaceful lifestyle. Residents say the attack has left the entire neighbourhood in fear and sorrow, especially because the victim was described as a kind and caring woman.
According to family members, Ibrahim Mutari is accused of attacking, strangling, and stabbing Hauwa Abubakar before escaping from the scene. As of the time of filing this report, security operatives are yet to arrest the suspect, but investigations are ongoing.
The husband of the deceased, Abubakar Shuaibu, expressed deep pain and anger over the incident. Speaking with reporters, he described the killing as cruel, heartless, and difficult to understand.
“This is an act no human being should commit,” he said. “She did not deserve this kind of death. She was a peaceful woman who lived for her family.”
Family members said the incident did not come as a complete surprise, as the suspect had allegedly made threats in the past following a violent disagreement within the family.
A daughter of the deceased, Ummi Ahmed, explained that the problem began last year after a fight between Ibrahim Mutari and her younger brother, Musa. During the fight, Musa allegedly stabbed Ibrahim in the stomach, causing serious injury.
Ibrahim was rushed to the hospital, where he spent several weeks receiving treatment. Ummi said that while he was in the hospital, Ibrahim openly made threats that worried both family members and medical workers.
“He said he would take revenge,” she said. “He threatened either the children of my mother or my mother herself.”
She added that doctors and nurses at the hospital warned the family that Ibrahim’s statements were dangerous and should not be ignored. However, no one imagined that the threats would lead to such a tragic end.
Despite the threats, Ummi said her mother, Hauwa Abubakar, continued to show kindness to Ibrahim during his hospital stay. According to her, the elderly woman personally took care of him, provided food, and stayed by his side until he was discharged.
“She treated him like her own child,” Ummi said in tears. “She made sure he recovered fully. Even after everything that happened, she showed him love. That is what hurts us the most.”
Further findings revealed a long-standing family relationship between the suspect and the deceased. Ibrahim’s biological mother reportedly died when he was still very young. After her death, Hauwa Abubakar played a major role in raising him.
Family sources said Ibrahim’s father, who is now late, had a very close relationship with Hauwa Abubakar. In appreciation of the care and support she gave to his son, he brought her into his home and treated her as his own mother.
“She was the one who raised him,” a family member said. “She fed him, cared for him, and supported him like a real grandmother.”
Residents of Yanbula community described Hauwa Abubakar as a gentle woman who avoided trouble and always encouraged peace in the family and neighbourhood.
“She was someone who always advised young people to stay away from violence,” a neighbour said. “This is a big loss, not just to the family, but to the whole community.”
The incident has sparked conversations around family violence, unresolved conflicts, and mental health issues among young people. Some community leaders believe the warning signs were clear but were not properly addressed.
“This tragedy could have been prevented,” a local elder said. “When someone makes repeated threats, especially after a violent incident, the matter should be taken seriously by both the family and authorities.”
In recent years, Plateau State has recorded several cases of domestic and family-related violence, often linked to unresolved disputes, anger, and lack of access to proper counselling services. Experts say many young people struggle with emotional and psychological problems but do not receive the help they need.
A social worker in Jos explained that revenge threats after violent incidents should always be treated as a serious risk.
“When people feel wronged and are unable to manage their emotions, they may act violently,” she said. “Families need support systems, and communities need better ways to report and manage such situations.”
Meanwhile, security agencies in Plateau State have confirmed that they are investigating the case. A source within the police said efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest Ibrahim Mutari.
“The suspect is currently on the run,” the source said. “We are working with community leaders and residents to track him down and ensure justice is served.”
The police also appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect, assuring them that such information would be treated with confidence.
As the community mourns, family members of the deceased are calling for justice and urging authorities to ensure that the matter is fully investigated.
“We want justice for our mother,” Ummi Ahmed said. “Nothing will bring her back, but we want peace and closure.”
The death of Hauwa Abubakar has left a painful mark on Yanbula community, serving as a reminder of the dangers of unresolved family conflicts and the importance of early intervention when warning signs appear.