Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared the activities of a group reportedly operating as Hisbah illegal in the state, ordering security agencies to immediately halt its operations.
Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday following reports of the group’s activities in parts of Jos North Local Government Area.
According to Bere, the governor’s directive followed allegations of intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules on residents.
Mutfwang warned those involved to stop the activities or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
The governor stressed that Plateau State operates under a single legal framework and rejected attempts by any group to exercise powers outside those granted 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,” Mutfwang was quoted as saying.
Bere said the governor had directed security agencies to identify and investigate those involved in the reported activities.
The order also covers anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the group’s operations, he added.
The governor clarified that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community.
“The Governor wishes to make clear that 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,” Bere said.
Mutfwang thanked members of the public who alerted authorities to the reported activities and assured residents that his administration would continue to take credible security concerns seriously.
