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Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered security agencies to halt the activities of a group reportedly operating under the name HISBA in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring such activities illegal and unauthorised.
Mutfwang, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the directive followed reports of intimidation, harassment, extortion and imposition of unauthorised rules on residents.
“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 directed security agencies to identify and investigate persons involved in the reported activities and, where sufficient evidence establishes violations of the law, to arrest and prosecute those responsible, as well as persons found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting such unlawful activities.
He also directed the security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations necessary to establish the identity and activities of those involved and to ensure that residents are protected from intimidation, harassment, extortion or any other form of unlawful coercion.
Mutfwang stressed that the directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community, noting that Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are 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,” Mutfwang said.
The governor reaffirmed that the protection of the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of all residents remains a fundamental responsibility of government.
“Plateau State has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Governor Mutfwang will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme,” it added.
