Kano State Shuts Tomato Market Over Immorality Concerns

Kano State’s Garun Mallam LGA shuts Kwanar Gafan Tomato Market due to rising cases of immorality. Plans for a skill acquisition center are proposed.

Kano State’s Garun Mallam Local Government Area has officially closed the Kwanar Gafan Tomato Market following allegations that the location has become a hub for immoral activities, including prostitution, adultery, and homosexuality.

Reports indicate that youths and even some married individuals were involved in these illicit acts within the market premises, prompting authorities to act swiftly. According to Aminu Kadawa, the Chairman of Garun Mallam Local Government, the closure aims to restore order and return the market to its intended purpose.

Kadawa stated, “Considering how the market has turned into a center for prostitution and other immoral activities, it has been indefinitely closed to ensure sanity is restored.” He also announced a seven-day ultimatum for all occupants to vacate the premises or face legal consequences.

Background of the Decision
The decision has drawn support from key officials, including Aisha Saji, the Commissioner of Tourism and Management. Recalling her tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs, Saji highlighted her prior efforts to combat immorality at the same market. During a security raid led by Hisbah officers and law enforcement, 43 individuals—including 34 females and nine males aged between 15 and 18—were arrested for prostitution and the illegal sale of alcoholic substances.

“Shockingly, 14 of those arrested were confirmed to be HIV-positive. Ten of them knew their status, while four were unaware,” Saji revealed. She further noted that those involved hailed from Kano and neighboring states such as Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, and Taraba.

Future Plans for the Market Area
As part of long-term solutions, Saji suggested transforming the market site into a skill acquisition center. “This closure should not just mark the end of immoral activities but also serve as a stepping stone for development,” she emphasized. The proposed center aims to tackle unemployment by equipping youths with sustainable skills and reducing their vulnerability to social vices.

While no reopening date has been announced for the Kwanar Gafan Tomato Market, local authorities remain firm in their commitment to enforcing morality and exploring ways to enhance community development.