Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered an immediate end to the activities of a group allegedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring the organisation illegal and unauthorised.
The governor also directed security agencies in the state to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute individuals found to be involved in activities that violate the law.
Mutfwang's directive followed reports that the group had allegedly engaged in intimidation, harassment, extortion and the enforcement of rules and restrictions not recognised under the state's legal framework.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, the governor warned members of the group to immediately stop their activities or face arrest and prosecution.
He stressed that no individual or organisation had the constitutional authority to assume powers that had not been legally conferred on it.
According to the governor, Plateau State operates under a single Constitution, legal system and legitimate government, adding that his administration would not tolerate the emergence of parallel authorities or self-appointed enforcement bodies.
"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 said.
The governor said his administration would not permit any group to impose rules, restrictions or punishments on residents outside the established legal system.
He consequently directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to determine the identities of those involved and establish the full scope of their activities.
Mutfwang said anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or facilitating the alleged unlawful operations would face investigation and prosecution where sufficient evidence established a breach of the law.
He assured residents that the government would continue to protect them against intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
The governor also clarified that the directive was not aimed at any particular religion, ethnic group or community.
He noted that Plateau State is home to people from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds and that every resident is entitled to equal protection under the law.
"The issue before the Government is solely one of 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.
Mutfwang commended residents who alerted the authorities to the alleged activities and assured them that the government would continue to treat credible security concerns with seriousness.
He reaffirmed that protecting the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of residents remained a fundamental responsibility of government.
The governor further pledged that his administration would continue to promote Plateau State's tradition of peaceful coexistence while ensuring that peace was protected, citizens were treated equally and the rule of law remained paramount.
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