The Plateau State Government 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 and unauthorised.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang also directed security agencies to identify and investigate individuals involved in the activities and arrest and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law.
The directive followed reports that the group had allegedly engaged in intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules and restrictions on residents.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Dr Gyang Bere, Mutfwang warned those involved to immediately stop their activities or face arrest and prosecution.
The governor stressed that no individual or group had the authority to assume powers not granted by the Constitution or any other law.
According to him, Plateau State operates under one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, adding that his administration would not tolerate the emergence of 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,” Mutfwang said.
He said the government would not allow any group to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework.
Mutfwang consequently directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of those involved.
He said anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the alleged unlawful activities would be investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence of wrongdoing was established.
The governor assured residents that the government would protect them from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
He, however, clarified that the directive was not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community.
Mutfwang said Plateau remained home to people of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds and that all residents were 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 them that his administration 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 government.
Mutfwang added that his administration would continue to uphold Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence while ensuring that peace was protected, citizens were treated equally and the rule of law remained supreme.
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