People Flock to Hotoron.Arewa to See Prophet Mohammed’s Footprints

Hotoron Arewa, a suburb on the outskirts of Kano, as hundreds of people flock to a location believed to be the site of “Prophet Muhammad’s footsteps”.

The area has become a daily pilgrimage ground, with locals and visitors alike drawn to a muddy pool of water that has emerged from the ground, which many believe holds miraculous healing powers.

According to eyewitnesses, the scene is chaotic, with men, women, and children jostling for access to the water. Some scoop it into plastic bottles, while others drink it directly from the source or pour it over their heads in ritualistic baths. The area has taken on a spiritual atmosphere, with people prostrating, praying, and rubbing the muddy water onto their bodies in solemn reverence.

Locals claim that the water is seeping from markings on the ground that resemble the footprints of Prophet Muhammad, although there is no scientific or religious verification of this claim. Despite the lack of evidence, the narrative has spread rapidly through social media and word-of-mouth, fueling a surge in visits to the site.

“People with strange illnesses are also trooping to the site to bathe in the water,” a local resident said in the video. “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 unregulated crowd gatherings have raised concerns about safety, with fears of stampedes and other incidents. Videos from the scene show people shoving, pushing, and scrambling for position, highlighting the need for crowd control measures to be put in place.

“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.”

As the situation continues to unfold, local authorities are under pressure to provide guidance and ensure the safety of those visiting the site. While some have called for the area to be cordoned off and visitors to be regulated, others have argued that the site should be left open to allow people to exercise their freedom of worship.

The phenomenon has also sparked debate among religious leaders, with some questioning the authenticity of the claims surrounding the “Prophet Muhammad’s footsteps”. However, for many of those visiting the site, the water is seen as a source of hope and healing, and they are willing to take the risk to access it.

As one visitor said, “I have been suffering from a strange illness for months, and I have tried every treatment available. I am willing to try anything to get better, and if this water can heal me, then I am willing to take the risk.”

The situation in Hotoron Arewa is a complex one, with issues of faith, health, and safety all intertwined. As the crowds continue to flock to the site, it remains to be seen how the situation will be managed and what the long-term implications will be for the community.