By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Following widespread public backlash, the Governor of Niger State, North Central Nigeria has reversed an order in which he directed security agencies to go after young persons bearing dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.
Umar Bago at a stakeholders’ security meeting which held at government house on Tuesday had instructed security operatives to arrest and punish residents wearing dreadlocks, cut their hair, and impose fines on them.
He stressed a crackdown on what he described as “unacceptable haircuts” in the state capital, directing security agencies to take immediate action.
“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,” the governor had said.
The remarks however sparked a wave of condemnation from civil society groups, human rights advocates, and members of the public who viewed the order as a violation of personal freedoms and an overreach of executive power.
In response to the backlash, Governor Bago clarified his position during a public address on Wednesday. He denied any general hostility toward people with dreadlocks, stressing that the crackdown is aimed solely at criminal elements who use cult symbols, including dreadlocks, to conceal their activities and evade law enforcement.
“Yesterday we read a riot act on hooliganism and people misunderstood our words for people who have dreadlocks,” he said. “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.”
“We are only targeting that cult which is becoming a menace in Niger State. Thank you,” Bago added.
The governor also used the opportunity to invite investors and professionals to the state, emphasising that it remains open to all, regardless of personal appearance.
