Katsina Hisbah Bans Girls From Night Hawking

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has banned girls from engaging in street hawking at night, directing that the activity must end by 10pm across the state.

The Commandant General of the board, Saifullahi Musa, announced the restriction on Tuesday during a media briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Katsina.

He explained that the decision was taken to protect young girls from sexual abuse, harassment and other dangers associated with selling goods in public places late at night.

The restriction applies to motor parks, markets and other public locations where street trading takes place across the state.

Musa said the board had received reports of girls being exposed to dangerous situations while hawking at night. He disclosed that some had reportedly suffered sexual abuse, while others were allegedly involved in activities considered unacceptable under Islamic teachings.

He maintained that the board would not allow the situation to continue, adding that the new directive was part of efforts to protect children and maintain moral standards in the state.

To enforce the restriction, the Hisbah commandant said officers would be stationed at strategic locations, particularly markets and motor parks, to monitor activities and ensure that residents comply with the order.

He also warned parents and guardians against sending their daughters out to hawk late at night. He urged them to take greater responsibility for the protection and welfare of their children rather than exposing them to avoidable risks.

The Hisbah chief further disclosed that the board would introduce regulations for traditional medicine sellers operating in Katsina State.

According to him, the agency had observed that some traditional medicine practitioners used offensive and inappropriate expressions when promoting their products to members of the public.

He said the board would no longer tolerate such behaviour and would ensure that the activities of traditional medicine dealers followed the moral standards expected in the state.

Musa also expressed concern over reports that some brothels had resumed operations in parts of Katsina despite existing restrictions.

He directed owners and operators of such establishments to shut down their businesses, warning that anyone who refused to comply could face legal consequences.

On the sale of alcoholic drinks, the commandant reaffirmed that the prohibition on alcohol, particularly beer, remained in force across the state.

He cautioned traders against selling alcoholic beverages in public places and warned that the board would take action against those who violated the existing restriction.

Musa called on residents, especially Muslims, to cooperate with the Hisbah Board and support its efforts to enforce Islamic principles and maintain acceptable conduct in society.

He added that the agency was not established to intimidate or victimise residents but to carry out its responsibilities under the law establishing it.

The Katsina State Hisbah Board was established in 2023 by Governor Dikko Radda as part of his administration’s efforts to address social and moral issues in the state.

Its responsibilities include promoting Islamic values and intervening in social and family-related matters.

The board said it would continue carrying out its duties within the provisions of its enabling law while ensuring that its directives were enforced across Katsina State.