The Katsina State Ministry for Women Affairs and the state’s chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have strongly condemned the alleged brutal assault of a young woman, identified simply as Asma’u, by individuals affiliated with the state’s Hisbah (religious police) Board.
The condemnation follows a viral video on social media in which Asma’u recounted her ordeal, showing severe injuries sustained from the incident. The assault reportedly occurred on Tuesday, March 15, at the headquarters of the Hisbah Board in Katsina.
In the video, Asma’u appeared visibly battered, with swollen eyes, mouth and nose, as well as bruises on her arms, legs and ear. Her right ankle, which she claimed was sprained during the assault, was seen wrapped in a bandage.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Yar’Adua, in a statement described the incident as a clear case of gender-based violence. “No woman, or indeed any human being, deserves to be subjected to the level of brutality alleged in this incident.
This is a clear case of gender-based violence (GBV), and it must be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” the commissioner stated.
She said the ministry had launched an investigation into the incident and would forward its findings to relevant authorities for action. Yar’Adua also assured that legal, psychosocial, and medical support would be provided to the victim.
Similarly, Chairperson of NAWOJ in Katsina State, Hannatu Mohammed, in a separate statement, condemned the alleged assault, describing it as “a clear violation of the rights and dignity of the victim”. She called on the Katsina State Government to ensure justice is served.
“This kind of violence against women is unacceptable and should not be tolerated in any decent society,” Mohammed said. “We are calling on the government to thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
She urged the government to strengthen mechanisms for preventing gender-based violence and to promote a culture of equality and respect for all citizens.
Reacting to the incident, the Hisbah Board’s Head of Operations, Muhammadu Shai’ibu, claimed that the young woman had slapped one of their officers during a visit to their office. He said she had come to secure the release of her brothers, who she believed had been arrested at a social event.
Shai’ibu alleged that Asma’u was not decently dressed and was asked to leave. He claimed she responded violently, prompting her detention, but said he was unaware of any assault by Hisbah personnel.
