Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered the immediate suspension of activities allegedly being carried out by a group operating under the name Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
The governor described the reported activities of the group as illegal, unauthorised and unacceptable, warning those involved to desist or face arrest and prosecution.
Mutfwang issued the directive in a statement released on Sunday, August 30, 2026, by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere.
The directive followed reports that members of the group had allegedly intimidated, harassed and extorted residents, while also imposing unauthorised rules and restrictions within some communities.
The governor stressed that Plateau State operates under one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, insisting that no individual or group has the right to exercise powers not granted by law.
He warned against the emergence of parallel authorities or self-appointed enforcement bodies seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on residents outside the established legal framework.
“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 declared.
The governor subsequently directed security agencies in the state to identify, arrest and investigate individuals involved in the reported activities and prosecute them where they are found to have violated the law.
Mutfwang, however, clarified that the directive was not targeted at any particular religion, ethnic group 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,” he said.
He maintained that the government’s concern was strictly about lawful conduct and legitimate authority, stressing that every resident should be able to live, worship, work, conduct lawful businesses and go about their daily activities without intimidation or interference.
The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.
“Plateau State has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds. Governor Mutfwang will continue to defend that tradition by ensuring that peace is protected, citizens are treated equally, and the rule of law remains supreme,” the statement added.
