The Katsina State Hisbah Board has prohibited girls from engaging in night hawking across the state, directing that the activity must stop by 10pm daily as part of measures to protect minors from 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 board’s headquarters.
Musa said the restriction covered motor parks, markets and other public places where hawking takes place, adding that Hisbah personnel would be deployed to strategic locations to enforce compliance.
He explained that the decision followed reports that some girls engaged in night trading were exposed to sexual 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 said.
The commandant urged parents to take greater responsibility for the safety and welfare of their children, particularly girls, warning them against allowing minors to hawk late at night.
The directive comes amid broader concerns about the dangers of child hawking in Nigeria, where economic pressures have pushed some children into street trading, exposing them to harassment, robbery, exploitation and disruptions to their education.
The Katsina State Hisbah Board was established by Governor Dikko Radda in 2023 to address social and moral concerns in the state. Its responsibilities include promoting Islamic values and intervening in social and family-related matters.
Hisbah Moves to Regulate Traditional Medicine Dealers
In a related development, Musa disclosed that the board would begin regulating traditional medicine dealers to ensure their activities complied with Islamic values.
He expressed concern over the use of vulgar and offensive language by some practitioners when advertising their products, warning that the board would no longer tolerate such practices.
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 reiterated that the ban 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 mandate was to promote compliance with Islamic principles rather than victimise members of the public.
He assured residents that the board would carry out its responsibilities within the provisions of its enabling law.
