Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered security agencies to immediately stop the activities of a group reportedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
The governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the directive followed reports of alleged intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules on residents.
Mutfwang warned individuals involved in the activities to desist or risk arrest and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
According to the governor, Plateau State has “one constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority,” stressing that no 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,” Mutfwang was quoted as saying.
The governor has also directed security agencies to identify and investigate individuals involved in the reported activities.
The directive extends to anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the group’s operations.
Mutfwang, however, clarified that the action was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community.
He said Plateau State remains home to people from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law.
The governor thanked residents who alerted the authorities to the reported activities and assured the people of the state that his administration would continue to take credible security concerns seriously.
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