Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has declared the activities of a group known as HISBA in Jos North Local Government Area illegal and unauthorised, directing security agencies to immediately stop and arrest its members. The directive, announced on Sunday through a statement by the Governor's Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, followed reports that the group had been intimidating, harassing, and extorting residents while imposing rules without legal backing.
Governor Orders Immediate Action Against HISBA
The governor's directive came after the group was accused of operating as a parallel authority in parts of Jos North, imposing restrictions and sanctions on citizens outside the established legal framework of the Nigerian state. Mutfwang described the group's conduct as illegal and a threat to the rule of law, warning those involved to stop immediately or face prosecution.
According to PUNCH, Mutfwang stated unequivocally: "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 emphasised that Plateau State operates under a single legal framework, adding: "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."
Government Vows No Parallel Authority
Mutfwang further declared that the government "will 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 of the Nigerian state." Security agencies have been directed to step up intelligence gathering to determine who was behind the activities and to shield residents from any further harassment or coercion.
The governor clarified that the clampdown was not directed at any particular faith or community. "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," the statement read. He described the matter as one of lawful conduct and legitimate authority, stressing that every resident had the right to live, worship, work, and carry out daily activities without interference from any self-appointed body.
Residents Urged to Report Activities
Mutfwang thanked members of the public who reported the group's activities to authorities and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to security across the state. The statement closed with a reminder of Plateau State's long-standing reputation for peaceful coexistence, with Mutfwang pledging to uphold that tradition by ensuring equal treatment for all citizens and the supremacy of the rule of law.
Security agencies are expected to investigate, identify, and prosecute anyone found promoting or participating in the group's activities, as the governor directed. The move signals a firm stance against any self-appointed enforcement bodies in the state, with the government vowing to maintain order and protect residents from illegal impositions.
