Prostitution Allegation: Govt Shuts Tomato Market Indefinitely

Homosexuality, adultery and prostitution allegations levelled against some youths have forced the authorities concerned to shut down a tomato market.

Occupants and traders have now have 7 days within which to evacuate the market, the Garun Mallam Local Government Area of Kano State has ruled.

Its reaction follows unsavoury use of the Kwanar Gafan Tomato Market, by some elements in the area, who have turned it into a slaughter slab.

Youths and married women are alleged to be involved in the prostitution allegation prompting the council to wield the big stick.

Its Chairman, Aminu Kadawa, who confirmed the development, said all occupants in the market were given a seven-day ultimatum to vacate the premises or face the full wrath of the law.

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“Looking at how the market has become a centre for prostitution and other immoral activities contrary to the purpose of the market, it has to be closed indefinitely to restore sanity”, he said.

He added that a date for the reopening would be announced later.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Tourism and Management, Aisha Saji, said during her tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs, she led a team of security personnel and Hisbah officials and raided the same market, arresting 43 individuals, including 34 females and nine males aged between 15 and 18, over prostitution allegation as well as illegal sale of alcoholic substances.

“Shockingly, 14 of the arrested individuals were confirmed to be HIV-positive, with 10 aware of their status, while four were unaware.

“The suspects hailed not only from Kano, but also from neighbouring states, including Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue and Taraba,” she said.

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The Commissioner further recalled that during her tenure she also wrote a report recommending demolition of the market for construction of a skill acquisition centre to address unemployment, among others, in the area.

“This closure should not just mark the end of immoral activities but also serve as a stepping stone for development.

“Establishing a skills development institution in this area will not only curb unemployment but also equip our youths with sustainable means of livelihood,” Saji emphasized.