Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared the activities of a group reportedly operating under the name Hisba in parts of Jos North Local Government Area as illegal and unauthorised, directing security agencies to immediately halt such activities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 30, 2026, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, said the directive followed reports of alleged intimidation, harassment, extortion and the imposition of unauthorised rules on residents.
Governor Mutfwang warns all persons involved to immediately desist from such conduct or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Governor 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 not conferred upon it by law.
He said his administration would not permit 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.
Governor Mutfwang stated that “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 therefore directed security agencies in the state to identify and investigate persons involved in the reported activities and, where sufficient evidence establishes violations of the law, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
The directive also extends to persons found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the alleged unlawful activities.
Governor Mutfwang further ordered security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of those involved, while ensuring that residents are protected from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
He clarified that the directive is not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community, stressing that Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds who are 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 reaffirmed that every resident 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.
Governor Mutfwang 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 the protection of the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of all residents remains a fundamental responsibility of government.
The Governor also reiterated his commitment to preserving Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, stressing that peace, equality and the rule of law would continue to guide his administration.
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Editor: Terverr Tyav
