By Samuel Solomon
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has ordered an immediate halt to the activities of a group allegedly operating as “Hisbah” in parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
He described the group’s activities as illegal, unauthorized and unacceptable, following reports of alleged intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorized rules on residents.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang warned those involved to desist immediately or face arrest and prosecution.
According to the statement, he said Plateau State operates under one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, stressing that no individual or group has the right to assume powers not conferred on it 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 directed security agencies to identify and investigate those behind the reported activities and arrest and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law.
He also ordered security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of the group and protect residents from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
The governor stressed that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community, saying all residents of the state were entitled to equal protection under the law.
He said the government’s concern was solely about lawful conduct and legitimate authority, adding that every resident had the right to worship, work, conduct lawful business and carry out daily activities without interference from self-appointed authorities.
Mutfwang commended members of the public who alerted the authorities to the alleged activities and assured residents that his administration would continue to take credible security concerns seriously.
He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the lives, rights, dignity, and lawful freedoms of residents while preserving Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence.
The governor further pledged to ensure that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme.
