The Katsina State Hisbah Board has announced a statewide ban on night hawking by girls, directing that the practice must stop from 10:00 p.m. daily.
The Commandant General of the Board, Sheikh Saifullahi Yakubu Musa, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Board’s headquarters, saying the directive was aimed at protecting girls from social risks and ensuring compliance with Islamic principles.
He explained that the restriction would apply to motor parks, markets and other public places where hawking activities take place across the state.
According to Sheikh Saifullahi, reports received by the Board indicated that some girls involved in night hawking were exposed to abuse and activities considered contrary to Islamic teachings.
“Reports indicate that some of these girls engage in illicit activities, while others are raped and some commit adultery. These practices are against the teachings of Islam, and we will not allow them to continue,” he stated.
The Hisbah chief said officers of the Board would be deployed to strategic locations, including markets and motor parks, to monitor compliance with the directive.
He also warned parents against allowing their children, particularly girls, to engage in hawking during late hours, urging families to take responsibility for their protection and welfare.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Saifullahi announced that the Board would begin regulating the activities of traditional medicine dealers to ensure their operations conform with Islamic values.
He expressed concern over the use of offensive and vulgar language by some dealers while advertising their products, warning that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
The Commandant General further raised concerns over reports of the reopening of brothels in some areas of the state, directing operators to shut them down or face legal action.
He reiterated that the ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks, particularly beer, remains in effect in Katsina State, cautioning individuals involved in the business to desist from selling alcohol in public places.
Sheikh Saifullahi urged residents, especially the Muslim community, to support the Hisbah Board in carrying out its responsibilities, stressing that the agency was established not to victimise people but to promote adherence to Islamic principles within the framework of the law.
He assured that the Board would continue to operate within the limits of its enabling legislation while enforcing its mandates across the state.
