Katsina Hisbah bans girls from night hawking

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has directed girls involved in street trading to end their hawking activities by 10 pm daily, citing concerns over their exposure to sexual abuse and other dangers at night.

The directive was announced by the board’s Commandant General, Saifullahi Musa, during a press briefing at its headquarters in Katsina.

Musa said the restriction would apply to markets, motor parks and other public spaces across the state where girls engage in hawking.

He explained that the decision followed reports of girls facing various forms of exploitation while selling goods at night, including sexual assault and involvement in activities prohibited by Islamic teachings.

The commandant said the board would strengthen enforcement by deploying its personnel to locations where night trading is common.

He also urged parents and guardians to discourage their children, especially girls, from hawking late at night, emphasising their responsibility to protect them from potential harm.

Beyond the restriction on night hawking, Musa disclosed that the board was preparing to introduce regulations for traditional medicine practitioners and dealers.

He said the move was aimed at addressing the use of obscene and inappropriate expressions by some practitioners when promoting their products, adding that such practices would no longer be tolerated.

The commandant further expressed concern over reports of brothels resuming operations in some parts of Katsina, warning that those running such establishments must close them or risk legal consequences.

He also maintained that the prohibition on alcohol sales, particularly beer, remained effective across the state and warned traders against violating the restriction.

Musa appealed to residents to cooperate with the Hisbah Board, describing its responsibility as promoting Islamic and moral values and ensuring compliance with the law.

He added that the board would carry out its enforcement duties in accordance with the provisions of its enabling legislation.