The committee set up by the Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Umar, has been tasked with looking into a viral video circulating on social media that purportedly shows individuals being tortured by Hisbah personnel.
Residents in Katsina State have raised concerns about the activities of the Hisbah Board, alleging that they infringe on people’s rights and are anti-social.
A recent incident on May 5, 2024, in Katsina metropolis saw a joint operation by Hisbah and Community Watch Corps at a wedding ceremony escalate into violence. Security forces fired shots into the crowd, leading to the tragic death of Mallam Gambo Maipaci, a middle-aged vulcanizer.
According to an eyewitness, Mohammed Musa, who spoke to PUNCH Online, chaos broke out as Hisbah and CWC personnel arrived at the scene, with some individuals seen wielding knives and others firing shots indiscriminately.
Musa recounted, “During the chaos, a bullet struck Mallam Gambo, the vulcanizer. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The establishment of Hisbah by Radda’s administration has been repeatedly criticized for violating our rights.”
During the inauguration of the committee on the acting Governor’s behalf, the Secretary to the Katsina State government, Abdullahi Faskari, outlined the terms of reference. These include verifying the authenticity of the viral video depicting the alleged torture by Hisbah personnel, examining the Hisbah Board’s legislation to identify any shortcomings that may have led to human rights violations, identifying individuals within Hisbah involved in victimization and torture, and recommending appropriate sanctions.
The committee has been given a deadline of 10 days from its inauguration to submit its findings.
Heading the committee is the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Aliyu Zakari. Other members include Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Justice, Internal Security, Home Affairs, and others.