Outrage as Niger Governor Orders Arrest, Haircut for Dreadlocks Wearers
Outrage as Niger Governor Orders Arrest, Haircut for Dreadlocks Wearers
Nigerians have taken to social media to express outrage after Governor Umar Bago of Niger State ordered the arrest, forced haircut, and fining of individuals wearing dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.
The directive was issued on Tuesday, April 22, during a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the Government House.
“We will have zero tolerance for rascality. Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine him. Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies,” Governor Bago stated.
He further urged parents to take more responsibility for their children’s behavior, stressing that the state would adopt a tougher approach to security and public conduct.
The move has since sparked widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians describing the policy as discriminatory, authoritarian, and a violation of personal freedom and cultural expression.
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) show citizens questioning the legality of the directive and accusing the governor of profiling based on appearance.
The directive has ignited a fresh debate on the balance between public order and individual rights in Nigeria.
[…] Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, disclosed the plan during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday. She explained that the first section of the […]
[…] is a shameful move against the youth,” VDM said. “Dreadlocks are not a crime. The governor should focus on policies that address real security issues, not […]