Governor Bago Withdraws Dreadlocks Order After Public Backlash, Clarifies Stance on Cult Activity

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has reversed a controversial directive issued less than 24 hours ago, following widespread public outrage. The original order, given during a security meeting in Minna on Tuesday, instructed security agents to arrest individuals wearing dreadlocks, cut their hair, and impose fines. The governor had stated, “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.”

However, the order sparked significant backlash, with many Nigerians criticizing it as discriminatory and overreaching. In response to the criticism, Governor Bago issued a clarification on Wednesday, stating that the directive was specifically aimed at cult members, not the general public. He emphasized that individuals with dreadlocks who are not involved in any criminal activity are welcome in the state.

Governor Bago further expressed his desire to foster an environment conducive to business, extending a welcoming message to investors with dreadlocks, assuring them that they are welcome in Niger State. “Yesterday, we read a riot act on 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 cult here with dreadlocks. So if you have any business and you have dreadlocks, please come to Niger State. All that is media propaganda,” he clarified.