The Katsina State Hisbah Board has introduced restrictions on night-time street trading by girls, ordering that hawking activities must stop by 10pm across the state.
The board’s Commandant General, Saifullahi Musa, announced the directive on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the board’s headquarters.
He said the decision was prompted by concerns over the dangers young girls face while selling goods at night, including sexual abuse, harassment and other social vices.
Musa explained that the restriction would cover markets, motor parks and other public areas where street trading takes place.
“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 stated.
He disclosed that Hisbah operatives would be deployed to strategic locations to enforce the order and prevent girls from continuing their trading activities beyond the stipulated time.
The commandant also warned parents against allowing their daughters to hawk late at night, urging them to prioritise their children’s safety and welfare.
Beyond the restriction on night hawking, Musa announced that the board would begin monitoring traditional medicine dealers over concerns about offensive language used in advertising their products.
He warned practitioners to ensure their promotional activities complied with the board’s expectations.
Musa also threatened legal action against operators of brothels reportedly reopening in some parts of the state, directing them to shut down their businesses.
He reiterated that the ban on alcohol sales, particularly beer, remained in force, cautioning traders against selling alcoholic drinks in public places.
The Hisbah chief called on residents to support the board’s activities, insisting that its responsibility was to promote Islamic principles while operating within the provisions of the law.
