The Katsina State Hisbah Board has prohibited girls from engaging in street hawking after 10pm, citing concerns over their safety and exposure to sexual abuse and other social risks.
The Commandant General of the board, Saifullahi Musa, announced the directive on Tuesday during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters.
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Musa said the restriction would apply to markets, motor parks and other public places across the state where girls engage in night trading.
He explained that the measure was introduced to protect young girls from abuse and activities considered contrary to Islamic teachings.
According to him, the board had received reports indicating that some girls involved in night hawking were exposed to sexual exploitation and other dangerous situations.
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 said.
The commandant disclosed that Hisbah personnel would be deployed to strategic locations, particularly markets and motor parks, to ensure compliance with the directive.
He also urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children’s safety by preventing them, especially girls, from engaging in hawking late at night.
The announcement comes amid wider concerns about the risks associated with child hawking in Nigeria, including harassment, robbery and disruption to children’s education.
In another development, Musa said the board would begin regulating traditional medicine dealers to ensure their activities aligned with Islamic values.
He expressed concern over the use of vulgar and offensive language by some practitioners when advertising their products, warning that such conduct would no longer be tolerated.
The Hisbah chief also raised concerns about reports of brothels reopening in parts of the state, directing operators to shut down their establishments or face legal action.
He further maintained that the prohibition on the sale of alcoholic drinks, particularly beer, remained in force in Katsina, warning traders against selling alcohol in public places.
Musa called on residents, particularly Muslims, to support the board’s activities, insisting that its responsibility was to promote compliance with Islamic principles rather than victimise members of the public.
He assured residents that the agency would carry out its duties in accordance with the provisions of its enabling law.
The Katsina State Hisbah Board was established in 2023 by Governor Dikko Radda as part of efforts to address social and moral concerns in the state.
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Its responsibilities include promoting Islamic values and intervening in social and family-related matters.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
