Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has walked back his earlier remarks suggesting a crackdown on individuals with dreadlocks, clarifying that his administration’s focus is on criminal elements and not on people’s appearance
The governor made the clarification following public backlash and concerns that his earlier comments discriminated against individuals with dreadlocks.
“Yesterday we read a riot act on hooliganism and people misunderstood our words for people who have dreadlocks,” Bago said. “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.”
He dismissed reports suggesting a blanket ban as “media propaganda,” adding, “We are not driving dreadlocks from Niger State. We are only driving that cult that is becoming a menace in Niger State.”
The clarification comes after Bago’s initial directive called for the arrest of individuals with certain hairstyles, as part of a broader move to address growing insecurity and cult-related activities in the state capital, Minna. The comments sparked criticism from civil society groups and citizens who viewed the order as profiling.
The governor’s statement now seeks to reassure the public that law-abiding citizens, regardless of hairstyle, are welcome in Niger State.
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Your words were loud and clear. Why the lies sir