Niger State Governor Umar Bago has reversed his controversial directive that called for the arrest of individuals spotted with dreadlocks, following widespread public condemnation and criticism from civil rights groups.
Verily News reports that the governor had instructed security agencies to arrest anyone seen with dreadlocks across the state, linking the hairstyle to rising cult-related activities and insecurity, particularly in Minna, the state capital.
“Rascality in Minna anybody that you find with a dreadlock arrest him and barb his hair. From this moment is fire for fire. Any attempt to harass any security officer is an attempt to harass the government of Niger State,” Bago had declared during a public address.
That declaration also came alongside a night-time ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, restricting their operation between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., and threats to demolish buildings used by criminals or drug dealers.
He also warned that any house found sheltering criminals or drug dealers would be demolished, emphasizing that his administration would “apply maximum force to restore order.”
However, the remarks ignited swift backlash on social media and in public discourse, with many accusing the governor of discriminatory profiling and undermining personal freedoms under the guise of fighting crime.
Responding to the outrage, Bago clarified his position on Wednesday during an event in Minna, where he declared the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport as an alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
“Yesterday, we read a riot act on hooliganism, and people misconstrued our words for people who have dreadlocks. We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks, but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks. So, if you have dreadlocks and you have business, please come to Niger State,” Bago said.
He went on to describe the backlash as “media propaganda,” and reiterated that the enforcement efforts are targeted specifically at criminal groups.
He said, “We are only driving that cult that is becoming a menace in Niger State. Thank you.”
The governor’s revised stance aims to reassure the public that law-abiding citizens are safe, while signaling that his administration remains firm in its resolve to tackle crime and restore order across the state.
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