Dreadlocks Order: Gov Bago Reverses Self After Public Outrage

Less than 24 hours after directing security agents to arrest individuals wearing dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital, Niger State governor, Umar Bago said those with businesses and investment are welcomed into the state.

The Niger State governor had on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ security meeting at the Government House in Minna, ordered security operatives to cut the dreadlocks of anyone arrested and impose fines on them.

“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 ordered.

However, following the outrage that greeted the directive by Nigerians, Governor Bago On Wednesday withdrew his directive, clarifying that the order was for cult members.

Governor Bago also extended hand of friendship to investors with dreadlocks into the state, saying they are welcome to the Governor’s Office.

“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 said.