Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has withdrawn his order directing security agencies to arrest and shave individuals with dreadlocks following heavy criticism from the public.
On Tuesday, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Minna, Governor Bago had ordered a crackdown on criminals, including those wearing dreadlocks.
Bago said, “Anybody you find with dreadlocks, arrest him, shave his hair, and fine him. Nobody should carry any kind of hair again. I have given the security agencies a marching order.”
The statement sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians accusing the governor of discrimination and targeting personal appearance instead of addressing real security issues.
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Responding to the backlash on Wednesday, Governor Bago clarified that the directive was aimed at cultists and criminals, not ordinary citizens or visitors with dreadlocks.
He explained, “Yesterday, we read a riot act to hooliganism, and people misunderstood our words for people who have dreadlocks. We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks, but we have a problem with the cultists.”
He added, “If you have any business and you have dreadlocks, please come to Niger State. All that is media propaganda.”
The governor’s reversal comes amid growing concern over insecurity in Niger State and highlights the importance of careful communication when dealing with sensitive issues.