From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has ordered the immediate cessation of activities by a group reportedly operating under the name HISBA in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring its operations illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable in the state.
The governor’s directive followed reports alleging that the group was involved in the intimidation and harassment of residents, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules and restrictions.
Governor Mutfwang warned all persons involved in such activities to immediately desist or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He stressed that Plateau State operates under one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, maintaining that no individual or group has the right to assume powers that have not been conferred upon it by law.
The governor said the state government would not tolerate the emergence of any parallel authority, self-appointed enforcement body or group seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework of the Nigerian state.
“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 in the state to identify and investigate individuals involved in the reported activities.
He said where sufficient evidence establishes violations of the law, those responsible should be arrested and prosecuted, including persons found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting such unlawful activities.
The governor further directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of those involved and protect residents from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
He clarified that the government’s action was not directed against any religion, ethnic group or community, stressing that Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds who are all entitled to equal protection under the law.
According to the governor, the issue before the government is strictly one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority.
He maintained that every resident of the state has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and go about daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.
Governor Mutfwang also commended 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 remains a fundamental responsibility of government.
The governor added that his administration remains committed to protecting Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence by ensuring equality before the law, safeguarding peace and upholding the supremacy of the rule of law.