In a controversial move aimed at addressing the growing insecurity in Niger State, Governor Umar Bago has ordered security agents to arrest individuals spotted with dreadlocks or wearing weavons, describing the fashion choices as signs of “rascality.”
The directive, which was captured in a now-viral video, sparked widespread reactions across social media and civil society circles. Governor Bago, speaking during a security meeting, instructed that such individuals be apprehended, their hair cut, and a fine imposed on them
“We will have zero tolerance to rascality,” the governor declared. “Anyone you see with dreadlock, arrest him, cut his hair and fine him. Anybody you find with weavon, deal with him like an armed robber.”
He further urged parents to caution their children, warning that the state government would begin to implement tougher measures in its fight against crime.
“Parents should warn their children. From henceforth, it’s fire for fire,” Bago said. “Also, any house found harbouring criminals should be demolished. Niger State is not for useless people.”
While Governor Bago did not explicitly link dreadlocks or weavons to criminal activities, he implied that such appearances were reflective of a broader culture of indiscipline contributing to the state’s insecurity.
The directive has already drawn sharp criticism from human rights activists, who argued that it targets personal expression and could lead to abuse by law enforcement officers.
As of the time of this report on Tuesday, there has been no official statement from the Niger State Government clarifying the policy or addressing the backlash.
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