Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered an immediate halt to the activities of a group reportedly operating under the name Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring the activities illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable.
The directive followed reports that members of the group allegedly intimidated, harassed and extorted residents, while also attempting to impose rules and restrictions without lawful authority.
Mutfwang warned those involved to immediately desist from the reported activities or risk arrest and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
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 that have not been conferred on it by law.
He said the state government would not tolerate the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or organisation seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on residents outside the established legal framework.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, Mutfwang said the responsibility for enforcing the law rests exclusively with duly constituted authorities.
“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, arrest and investigate individuals involved in the reported activities and ensure their prosecution where evidence establishes criminal wrongdoing.
The governor, however, clarified that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community.
According to him, Plateau remains home to people of different religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law.
“This directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. 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.
Mutfwang maintained that the issue before the government was strictly one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority.
He said every resident of Plateau State has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and move freely without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed enforcement group.
He further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among residents of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
He further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among residents of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
According to Mutfwang, Plateau has a longstanding tradition of religious and ethnic diversity which his administration would continue to protect by upholding equality, peace and the supremacy of the law.
“Plateau State has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Governor Mutfwang will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme,” the statement added.