Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered security agencies to stop the activities of a group reportedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring such operations illegal.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Gyang Bere, the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs.
According to Bere, the order followed reports that members of the group had allegedly been intimidating and harassing residents, demanding money from them and enforcing rules without legal authority.
Mutfwang also directed security agencies to identify and investigate individuals involved in the activities, including anyone found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the group.
The governor warned those involved to immediately stop the activities or risk arrest and prosecution under Nigerian law.
READ ALSO: Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims In Plateau
“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 stressed that Plateau State operates under a single constitutional and legal framework and would not permit any group to exercise powers outside those granted by law.
Bere said Mutfwang made it clear that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community.
“The Governor wishes to make clear that this directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law,” he said.
The governor commended residents who alerted the authorities to the reported activities and assured the public that his administration would continue to respond seriously to credible security concerns.