Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered security agencies to move against a group allegedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring its activities illegal and warning that the government will not tolerate any attempt to establish a parallel authority in the state.
Mutfwang, in a directive issued on Sunday, ordered security agencies to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute persons found to be involved in the alleged activities of the group.
The governor’s action followed reports that the group was allegedly intimidating and harassing residents, extorting people and imposing unauthorised rules and restrictions outside the powers conferred by the Constitution and existing laws.
In a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, Mutfwang warned those involved to immediately desist from the activities or face the full weight of the law.
He stressed that no individual or group had the authority to assume governmental or enforcement powers not granted by law.
“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 said Plateau State operates under one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, adding that his administration would not allow the emergence of parallel authorities or self-appointed enforcement bodies.
He directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identities, sponsors and activities of persons allegedly involved in the group.
According to him, anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the alleged unlawful activities would be investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence establishes a violation of the law.
The governor also warned against the imposition of rules, restrictions or sanctions on residents by groups operating outside the established legal framework.
He assured residents that the government would protect them from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
Mutfwang, however, clarified that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community, stressing that the issue was strictly about lawful conduct and legitimate authority.
He said Plateau remained home to people of diverse faiths and ethnic backgrounds, with every resident 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.
The governor commended residents who reported the alleged activities to the relevant authorities and assured the public that his administration would continue to treat credible security concerns seriously.
He reaffirmed that protecting the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of residents remained a fundamental responsibility of government.
Mutfwang further pledged that his administration would continue to uphold Plateau’s tradition of peaceful coexistence while ensuring equal treatment of citizens and the supremacy of the rule of law.
