The Katsina State Hisbah Board has warned parents against allowing their daughters to engage in night hawking, setting 10:00 p.m. as the deadline for all such activities across the state.
The Commandant General of the Board, Sheikh Saifullahi Yakubu Musa, announced the directive on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Board’s headquarters in Katsina.
He said the measure was introduced to protect girls from exposure to abuse, exploitation and other social risks associated with hawking late at night.
According to him, the restriction covers motor parks, markets and other public places where girls engage in commercial activities across the state.
Sheikh Saifullahi said reports received by the board indicated that some girls involved in night hawking had been exposed to sexual abuse and activities considered contrary to Islamic teachings.
He warned that the board would no longer allow the practice to continue unchecked, adding that Hisbah personnel would be deployed to strategic locations, including markets and motor parks, to monitor and enforce compliance.
The commandant general consequently urged parents and guardians to take responsibility for the safety and welfare of their children by ensuring that girls are not allowed to hawk during late hours.
In another development, the Hisbah chief announced plans to regulate the activities of traditional medicine dealers in the state, particularly their methods of advertising and promoting their products.
He expressed concern over the use of vulgar and offensive language by some dealers, warning that the board would not tolerate advertisements considered inappropriate and contrary to Islamic values.
He also raised concerns over reports that some brothels had reopened in parts of the state, directing their operators to shut down or face legal action.
On the sale of alcoholic beverages, Sheikh Saifullahi reiterated that the existing ban on the sale of alcohol, particularly beer, remained in force in Katsina State.
He cautioned individuals involved in the business to desist from selling alcoholic drinks in public places, warning that the board would continue to enforce the restriction.
The commandant general called on residents, particularly members of the Muslim community, to support the board in carrying out its responsibilities.
He stressed that the Hisbah Board was established not to victimise individuals but to promote adherence to Islamic principles while operating within the limits of its enabling legislation.
