Caleb Mutfwang
Susan Abayomi
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has directed security agencies to investigate and stop the activities of a Hisbah group accused of attempting to establish an unauthorised authority in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
The governor described the reported activities as illegal and unacceptable, warning those involved to immediately desist or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
The directive followed reports alleging that members of the group had engaged in intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules on residents.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press Affairs to the governor, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang stressed that Plateau State operates under one constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority.
He said no individual or group had the legal right to assume powers that had not been conferred upon it by law.
According to him, the state government would not allow the emergence of parallel authorities, self-appointed enforcement bodies or groups seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on residents outside the established legal framework.
“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 stated.
Mutfwang consequently directed security agencies to identify and investigate those allegedly involved in the reported activities and, where sufficient evidence of legal violations is established, arrest and prosecute them.
He further ordered that individuals found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the alleged unlawful activities should also face appropriate legal action.
The governor directed the security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of those involved.
He also charged them with ensuring that residents were protected from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
Directive Not Targeted at Any Religion
Mutfwang clarified that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community.
He stressed that Plateau State is home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law.
According to him, the government’s concern was solely about lawful conduct and legitimate authority.
“Every resident of Plateau State has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority,” he said.
The governor thanked members of the public who brought the reported activities to the attention of the authorities and assured residents that his administration would continue to take credible security concerns seriously.
He reaffirmed that protecting the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of all residents remained a fundamental responsibility of the government.
