Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has reversed an earlier directive ordering the arrest and punishment of individuals with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital, following widespread public criticism.
The initial directive, issued on Tuesday, April 22 during a stakeholders’ security meeting at the Government House, had instructed security agencies to arrest individuals sporting dreadlocks, forcibly cut their hair, and impose fines on them.
Governor Bago had described such hairstyles as “unacceptable” and called for an immediate crackdown in the capital city.
“Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine the person. Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies,” Bago had declared.
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The remarks quickly triggered a wave of condemnation, with critics denouncing the policy as a violation of individual rights and an abuse of executive power. Many questioned the legality of the directive and its implications for personal freedom and cultural expression.
In a swift response to the backlash, Governor Bago addressed the issue publicly on Wednesday, April 23, seeking to clarify his earlier statement and defuse tensions.
He denied harboring any general animosity toward people with dreadlocks, stating that his concerns were specifically tied to criminal activities allegedly linked to cult groups using the hairstyle as a disguise.
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“Yesterday we read a riot act on hooliganism and people misunderstood our words for people who have dreadlocks,” Bago explained. “We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks, but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks. So if you have any business and you have dreadlocks, please come to Niger State. All that is media propaganda.”
Governor Bago also extended an olive branch to investors and professionals, assuring them that Niger State remains a welcoming environment for all, regardless of appearance or fashion choices.