In a decisive move to maintain public order, the Plateau State Government has announced an immediate ban on the operations of a self-styled security group known as “Hisbah” within the state. Governor Caleb Mutfwang declared the group’s activities in Jos North Local Government Area as illegal, unauthorized, and a direct violation of the state’s constitutional framework.
The directive was made public on Sunday, August 30, 2026, via a formal statement signed by Dr. Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor. The state government’s intervention follows alarming reports of the group allegedly engaging in extortion, harassment, and the unlawful imposition of arbitrary rules on local residents.
A Firm Stance Against Parallel Authorities
Governor Mutfwang warned those involved in the unauthorized security outfit to halt their operations immediately or face the full wrath of the law, including arrest and prosecution. He emphasized that the administration would not fold its arms and watch any group usurp the powers of established law enforcement agencies.
“No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State,” Governor Mutfwang asserted. “The responsibility for enforcing the law belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law.”
To ensure compliance, the Governor has directed security agencies across Plateau State to identify, investigate, and apprehend individuals masquerading as Hisbah operators. He reaffirmed that the state operates under a single Constitution and legal system, meaning that parallel authorities or self-appointed enforcement bodies have no legal standing.
Fostering Unity and the Rule of Law
Addressing potential concerns regarding the motives behind the ban, Governor Mutfwang clarified that the decision was entirely about preserving the rule of law and was not aimed at any religious, ethnic, or cultural community. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background.
Key highlights of the government’s stance include:
- Zero Tolerance for Intimidation: Every resident has the right to live, work, and worship without fear of harassment from unauthorized actors.
- Equal Protection: The law applies equally to all residents, ensuring that justice is administered only by legitimate state bodies.
- Preserving Peaceful Coexistence: Plateau State’s rich history of diversity will be defended through the supreme application of the rule of law.
With this directive, the Plateau State Government sends a clear message: public safety and law enforcement remain the exclusive domain of constitutional authorities, and any attempt to disrupt this order will be met with swift legal action.