Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered an immediate halt to the activities of a group reportedly operating under the name Hisba in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring the group’s operations illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable in the state.
The governor’s directive followed reports alleging that members of the group were involved in intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules and restrictions on residents.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang warned those involved in the alleged activities to immediately desist or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of the country.
The governor stressed that Plateau State operates under one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, insisting that no individual or group has the right to assume powers not conferred on it by law.
He said the state government would not tolerate the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or group seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside Nigeria’s established legal framework.
“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.
Mutfwang consequently directed security agencies in the state to identify and investigate persons connected with the reported activities and, where sufficient evidence establishes violations of the law, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
The directive, he said, also covers persons found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting any unlawful activities associated with the group.
The governor further directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identities and activities of those involved and protect residents from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
Mutfwang, however, clarified that the action was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community.
According to him, Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law.
He said the government’s concern was strictly about lawful conduct and legitimate authority, adding that every resident has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.
The governor commended members of the public who brought the reported activities to the attention of relevant authorities and assured residents that his administration would continue to treat credible security concerns with utmost seriousness.
He reaffirmed that protecting the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of all residents remained a fundamental responsibility of government.
Mutfwang also pledged to continue defending Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally and the rule of law remains supreme.