By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Katsina State Hisbah Board has prohibited girls from engaging in street hawking after 10pm, warning that anyone found violating the directive will face enforcement measures.
The Commandant General of the board, Saifullahi Musa, announced the restriction on Tuesday during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters.
He explained that the measure was introduced to protect girls from sexual abuse, harassment and other social dangers associated with late-night trading.
Musa said the restriction applied to all public places where hawking takes place, including markets, motor parks and other busy locations across the state.
According to him, the board had received reports of girls involved in night trading being exposed to sexual exploitation and other activities considered contrary to Islamic teachings.
He alleged that some of the girls engaged in illicit activities, while others were victims of rape, adding that the board would not allow such practices to continue.
The commandant disclosed that Hisbah personnel would be deployed to strategic locations across the state to monitor compliance with the directive.
He also appealed to parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children’s safety by ensuring that girls were not allowed to engage in hawking late at night.
The Katsina State Hisbah Board was established in 2023 by Governor Dikko Radda to address social and moral concerns and promote Islamic values in the state.
Hisbah to regulate traditional medicine dealers
In another development, Musa announced plans by the board to regulate the activities of traditional medicine dealers to ensure that their operations conformed to Islamic principles.
He expressed concern over the use of vulgar and offensive expressions by some practitioners when advertising their products, warning that the board would no longer tolerate such conduct.
The commandant also raised concerns over reports that some brothels had reopened in parts of the state. He directed their operators to shut down or risk legal action.
He further maintained that the prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages, particularly beer, remained in force in Katsina, cautioning traders against selling such products in public places.
Musa urged residents, especially Muslims, to support the board in carrying out its responsibilities, insisting that its mandate was to promote adherence to Islamic principles rather than victimise members of the public.
He assured residents that the board would carry out its duties in accordance with the provisions of its enabling law while enforcing its directives across the state.
