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, describing its operations as illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable within the state.
The governor’s directive followed reports alleging that members of the group were involved in intimidation, harassment, extortion and the enforcement of unauthorised rules on residents.
In a statement, Mutfwang warned individuals connected to the activities to cease immediately or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
He stressed that Plateau State operates under one constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, insisting that no individual or group has the power to assume responsibilities not granted by law.
According to the governor, his administration will not tolerate the emergence of parallel authorities or self-appointed enforcement bodies seeking to impose restrictions, sanctions or regulations outside the framework of the Nigerian legal system.
“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 subsequently directed security agencies in the state to identify and investigate those allegedly involved in the reported activities. He ordered that anyone found to have violated the law be arrested and prosecuted, including individuals accused of sponsoring, promoting, aiding or abetting the group’s operations.
Mutfwang also instructed security operatives to strengthen intelligence gathering and undertake lawful measures aimed at uncovering the identities and activities of those involved. He emphasized the need to protect residents from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
The governor clarified that the directive is not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community, noting that Plateau State remains home to people of diverse backgrounds who are entitled to equal protection under the law.
He explained that the government’s concern is strictly about lawful conduct and legitimate authority, stressing that every resident has the right to live, worship, work and conduct lawful business without interference from any self-appointed group.
Mutfwang commended members of the public who alerted authorities to the reported activities and assured residents that his administration would continue to treat all credible security concerns with urgency.
He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the lives, rights and freedoms of citizens, while pledging to uphold Plateau State’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence among its diverse population.
The governor said his administration would continue to safeguard peace, ensure equal treatment for all citizens and uphold the supremacy of the rule of law across the state.
