The Kano State Hisbah Board has dismantled an emerging makeshift pilgrimage site, following unverified claims that the location bore the footprint of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The site, located around the Dakata Industrial Area which was cleared for railway development recently, gained public attention after a muddy imprint was spotted on the ground.
Reports emerged on Monday that hundreds of people have been trooping to a location in Hotoron Arewa, a suburb on the outskirts of Kano, to drink and bathe in dirty water believed by locals to have emerged from what they claim are the “footsteps of Prophet Muhammad” boldly inscribed on the ground.
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.
Videos circulating on social media showed men, women, and children jostling to access the muddy pool, with many prostrating, praying, and others rubbing the muddy water onto their bodies in solemn reverence and engaging in ceremonial acts around the site.
“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.”
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Reacting to the development, the Deputy Commander of the Kano moral police, Muhahideen Aminudeen said the board swiftly intervened after receiving reports of the growing activities at the site.
He described the claims as fabricated and dangerous, especially given the absence of any religious or historical basis.
“Some mischief makers circulated this bogus story that the place is a holy site where the Prophet set foot,” he 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.”
Aminudeen emphasised that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never visited Africa during his lifetime, let alone Kano.
He urged the public to seek authentic Islamic knowledge to avoid falling prey to such deceptive claims.
“This kind of misinformation can lead people astray and even pose health risks,” he added. “We call on parents to ensure their children are properly educated in Islamic teachings.”
He also cautioned residents against consuming the water from the site, warning that it could be contaminated due to the area’s proximity to industrial activities.
No arrests have been made, but the board said it was investigating the origin of the false claim.