Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered an immediate stop to the activities of a group reportedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, describing the group’s operations as illegal and unauthorised.
The governor also directed security agencies to identify, investigate and arrest individuals found to be involved in activities allegedly linked to intimidation, harassment, extortion and the enforcement of rules not recognised by law.
Mutfwang’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere.
According to the statement, the governor warned members of the group and anyone supporting their activities to immediately desist or risk arrest and prosecution.
Mutfwang stressed that no individual or organisation had the constitutional authority to assume governmental powers or enforce laws outside the established legal framework.
He maintained that Plateau State operates under one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate government, warning that his administration would not permit parallel authorities or self-appointed enforcement bodies.
“No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State. The responsibility for enforcing the law belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law,” the governor said.
The governor further directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to determine the identities, structure and activities of those behind the alleged Hisbah operations.
He said anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the activities would face investigation and prosecution where sufficient evidence of wrongdoing was established.
Mutfwang assured residents that his administration would protect them against intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
The governor, however, clarified that the directive was not directed at any particular religion, ethnic group or community.
He noted that Plateau State is home to people from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, stressing that every resident was entitled to equal protection under the law.
“The issue before the Government is solely one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority. Every resident of Plateau State has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority,” he said.
Mutfwang commended residents who alerted relevant authorities to the alleged activities and assured the public that the government would continue to take credible security concerns seriously.
He reaffirmed that protecting the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of residents remained a fundamental responsibility of his administration.
The governor also pledged that his government would continue to promote peaceful coexistence in Plateau while ensuring that the rule of law remained supreme and all residents were treated equally.
