Hisbah urged to combat rising rape cases in Parks, uncompleted buildings

Personnel of the Hisba Command in Kano State have been urged to redouble efforts and keep regular watch and patrol across market areas, motor parks and uncompleted buildings in an attempt to checkmate the rising cases of rape being perpetrated by some disgruntled elements.

The State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, Hajia Aishatu Lawal gave the charge during a workshop for Hisbah officials from the Northwest zone on Gender-based Violence and Girl Child Protection held in Kano on Friday.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Sa’adatu Bala said the call became necessary because of the alarming rate of rape cases especially in such places.

According to her, frequent patrol of these places by Hisbah operatives would check persistent cases of young boys and girls being lured into corners to perpetuate immoral acts on them while expressing hope that the workshop would avail participants the opportunity to learn new surveillance skills that will help them prevent sexual abuse of children.

“By working together, we can develop comprehensive strategies that would address the root causes of gender-based violence and child abuse in our states. There’s a need for communities to be more vigilant and always report suspicious movements to Hisbah for prompt action.

“I believe that this workshop will enhance their performance towards curtailing incidences of gender-based violence in our states,” she said.

The Commissioner commended the Development Research and Projects Center, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria and AL-NAS for initiating the capacity-building workshop for Hisbah officials.

Earlier in his address, the convener, Ubale Rano said the workshop was aimed at assessing the achievements recorded on the strategies adopted towards addressing gender-based violence and child abuse.

“To find out why the increase in the menace, we felt it duty bound to involve various stakeholders including the Hisbah officials,” Rano said.

On his part, the Commandant General, Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheik Aminu Daurawa lauded the organisers of the event for choosing Kano to host the workshop.

The Hisba officials and other participants were drawn from Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Jigawa States.