The Kano State Hisbah Board has dismantled a makeshift pilgrimage site in the state capital where crowds of pilgrims reportedly gathered to drink mud water, following unverified claims that the location contained the footprint of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
According to reports, hundreds of people, including women and children, had been trooping to the site in recent days, believing the water to possess divine healing powers.
The unusual gathering, which began after viral social media posts, sparked concern among authorities over the spread of misinformation and potential public health risks.
Officials from the Hisbah Board, the state’s Islamic moral police, moved swiftly to shut down the site on Monday, April 21, describing the actions of the crowd as misguided and without religious basis.
The board emphasized that there was no credible Islamic backing for the claims surrounding the site and warned the public against falling for superstitious beliefs.
Speaking to the press, Kano Hisbah Commander Sheikh Aminu Daurawa stated, “There is no evidence in Islamic teachings supporting such a practice.
What we witnessed was an act of ignorance that could mislead many people, especially the vulnerable.”
He confirmed that Hisbah personnel cleared the area and cautioned individuals who attempted to resist the action. The board also called on religious leaders and scholars to educate their communities about the dangers of spreading false religious claims.
The incident has drawn widespread attention on social media, with many Nigerians expressing shock over the development and calling for stronger public enlightenment on religious practices.
Authorities say they will continue monitoring the area to prevent further gatherings, while also encouraging citizens to seek knowledge from verified Islamic sources.
