JOS, NIGERIA — Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered an immediate halt to the activities of a group reportedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring its operations illegal, unauthorised, and unacceptable in the state . The governor also directed security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone found violating the law .
The directive, announced in a statement on Sunday by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Gyang Bere, followed reports that the group was allegedly involved in intimidation, harassment, extortion, and the imposition of unauthorised rules and restrictions on residents . Governor Mutfwang warned those involved to immediately desist from such conduct or face the full weight of the law .
The governor stressed that Plateau State operates under one Constitution, one legal system, and one legitimate authority, maintaining that no individual or group has the right to assume powers that have not been conferred upon it by law . He declared that his administration would not permit the emergence of any parallel authority or self-appointed enforcement body seeking to impose rules, restrictions, or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework of the Nigerian state .
“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,” Mutfwang stated .
The governor directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of those involved . He also ordered that anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding, or abetting the alleged unlawful activities be investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence establishes a violation of the law .
Governor Mutfwang, however, clarified that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group, or community . He said Plateau remains home to people of diverse faiths and ethnic backgrounds, all of whom are 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 members of the public who reported the alleged activities to the relevant authorities and assured residents that his administration would continue to take credible security concerns seriously . He reaffirmed that protecting the lives, rights, dignity, and lawful freedoms of all residents remained a fundamental responsibility of government .
Governor Mutfwang also reiterated his commitment to upholding Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and ethnicities, stressing that peace, equality, and the rule of law would continue to guide his administration .
