Zulum orders probe into allegations of harassment over Hijab

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered an investigation into allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that some Muslim women were harassed for wearing the hijab in certain hospitals in Maiduguri. Expressing deep concern over the report on Thursday, the governor said he had not received any official complaint or prior information on […]

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered an investigation into allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that some Muslim women were harassed for wearing the hijab in certain hospitals in Maiduguri.

Expressing deep concern over the report on Thursday, the governor said he had not received any official complaint or prior information on such incidents.

In a directive issued through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum stated that the government was treating the allegations with utmost seriousness.

He instructed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation to verify the claims.

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According to the statement, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the religious rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly women.

He said Borno State, being a predominantly Muslim society, holds the hijab in high esteem, and any form of harassment against those who wear it is “unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

“The welfare and rights of our citizens, especially our mothers, wives, and daughters, are paramount. We have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment.

“While we have no prior record of such complaints, we are not taking these allegations lightly. This investigation will be swift and transparent, and if any wrongdoing is established, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken immediately,” Zulum said.

He also appealed to members of the public, especially those who may have experienced such treatment, to come forward with credible information to aid the investigation.

“I assure the public that the Borno State Government under my leadership will not tolerate any action that unjustly targets or humiliates any segment of our society,” he added.