Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered the immediate stoppage of activities by a group operating under the name “HISBA” in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, describing the organisation’s operations as illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable.

Mutfwang also directed security agencies in the state to identify, investigate and arrest individuals allegedly involved in the group’s activities where evidence of criminal violations is established.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere.

The governor’s action followed reports alleging that members of the group had been intimidating and harassing residents, extorting money and imposing rules and restrictions without lawful authority.

Mutfwang warned individuals involved in such activities to immediately desist, stressing that offenders would face arrest and prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.

He maintained that Plateau State has a single legal framework and legitimate authority, insisting that no individual or organisation could assume powers not conferred by law.

“Plateau State has one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, and no individual or group has the right to assume powers that have not been conferred upon it by law,” the governor stated.

He further warned against the emergence of what he described as parallel authorities or self-appointed enforcement bodies seeking to impose rules, sanctions or restrictions on residents outside the established legal system.

“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 consequently directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of those involved.

He ordered that persons found to have violated the law, as well as those promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting the alleged activities, should be arrested and prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists.

Security agencies were also instructed to ensure the protection of residents from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.

Mutfwang, however, stressed that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community, noting that Plateau remains a diverse state whose residents are entitled to equal protection under the law.

According to him, the government’s concern is strictly about lawful conduct and legitimate authority, rather than the religious or ethnic identity of those involved.

The governor said every resident had the right to worship, work, conduct lawful business and carry out daily activities without interference from any self-appointed authority.

He commended residents who alerted the authorities to the alleged activities and assured them that his administration would continue to treat credible security concerns with seriousness.

Mutfwang reaffirmed that protecting the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of residents remained a fundamental responsibility of his administration.

He also pledged to preserve Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds, insisting that the rule of law would remain supreme in the state.