Katsina Hisbah bans girls from hawking after 10pm

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has issued a new regulation prohibiting girls from engaging in night hawking across the state, with the activity now required to cease by 10pm daily. Commandant General Saifullahi Musa made the announcement during a press briefing at the board's headquarters on Tuesday. The directive comes in response to growing concerns about the risks faced by children engaged in street trading, including harassment, robbery and disruption to their education.

The Katsina State Hisbah Board, established in 2023 by Governor Dikko Radda, aims to promote Islamic values and address social and moral concerns in the state. The restriction applies to public places such as motor parks, markets and other areas where hawking occurs. Musa emphasized that the measure aims to protect girls from abuse and other social risks while ensuring compliance with Islamic teachings.

Hisbah personnel will be deployed to key locations like markets and motor parks to enforce the new rule. The board has also received reports of girls involved in night trading being subjected to sexual abuse and other practices conflicting with Islamic principles. Musa warned parents not to allow their children, especially girls, to hawk late at night and stressed the importance of taking greater responsibility for their safety and well-being.

The Hisbah chief also announced plans to regulate traditional medicine dealers to ensure their activities align with Islamic values, expressing concern over the use of vulgar language by some practitioners. Additionally, Musa addressed the reopening of brothels in certain parts of the state and reiterated the ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks, particularly beer, in public places.

He called on residents, particularly Muslims, to support the Hisbah Board in carrying out its duties while enforcing its mandates across the state in accordance with its enabling law.