Hisbah Board in Kano State has closed a putrid well in the Dakata Industrial Area of the sate where members of the public trooped to drink from, after claims tthat the area bore the footprint of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Recall, reports emerged Monday that hundreds of people had visited Hotoron Arewa, a suburb on the outskirts of Kano, to drink and bathe in the water.
It was gathered that the scene has become a daily pilgrimage ground, drawing people from far and near, many of whom are afflicted by strange illnesses and believe the water holds miraculous healing powers.
In a now-viral video, men, women, and children were seen jostling for access to the muddy pool of water.
Some scoop it into plastic bottles, others drink it with cupped hands, and many more pour it over their heads in ritualistic bathes.
The area has taken on the semblance of a spiritual healing ground, with people prostrating, praying, and rubbing the muddy water onto their bodies in solemn reverence.
“People with strange illnesses are also trooping to the site to bathe in the water,” a local resident told SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity.
“Villagers are coming from all over, either to drink the water, collect it in plastic bottles, or bathe in it. They believe it heals.”
The water, believed by locals to be sacred, appears to be seeping from markings interpreted by some as the footprints of the Prophet Muhammad
While there is no scientific or religious verification of the claim, the narrative has spread rapidly through social media and word-of-mouth, fueling a surge in visits.
“There’s no control,” the source added. “Entire families are now relocating to this place. Some are bringing their sick relatives here, hoping for miracles.”
Rreacting to the incident, the Deputy Commander of the Kano Hisbah Board, Muhahideen Aminudeen, said the moral enforcement agency intervened swiftly after receiving intelligence about the spiritual activities taking place.
“Some mischief makers circulated this bogus story that the place is a holy site where the Prophet set foot,” Aminudeen said.
“Unfortunately, many people who lack sound knowledge of Islam were misled. We deployed officers to the scene to educate the people and dismantle the site to prevent further harm.”
He stressed that the claims have no religious or historical foundation, reiterating that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never traveled to Africa during his lifetime.
“It is important to make it clear that there is no authentic record of the Prophet visiting Africa, let alone Kano,” he stated.
“This kind of misinformation can lead people astray and even pose health risks.”
The Hisbah Board raised public health concerns over the consumption of the water, citing its location near an industrial development site cleared for railway construction.
“We strongly caution residents against drinking or using that water,” Aminudeen warned.
“The area is surrounded by industrial activity, and the water could be contaminated.”
