Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has stirred widespread controversy after ordering the arrest of individuals wearing dreadlocks, as part of a broader clampdown on what he termed as “acts of rascality” in the state capital, Minna.
In a video now trending on X (formerly Twitter), the governor was seen issuing the directive during a public event, where he addressed law enforcement agencies and issued strict instructions.
“There’s no room for rascality in Minna,” Bago stated firmly. “Anyone spotted with dreadlocks should be arrested, have their hair shaved, and be fined.”
He continued, “From now on, no one is allowed to wear any kind of unusual hairstyle. I’ve given security operatives the go-ahead. If you find anyone carrying a weapon, treat them as an armed robber.”
The governor also used the opportunity to call on parents to caution their children and wards, warning that the government would no longer tolerate unruly behaviour.
“Parents, talk to your children. It’s fire for fire from now on,” he declared.
The directive has sparked intense debate on social media, with many Nigerians criticising the policy as misplaced and draconian.
Here are some reactions from X users:
@mikeoriv: “Everything else is progressing except this country.”
@mck1nzy_: “Thank God I left that jungle. They’d have ruined my hair.”
@Ms_Fej: “Dreadlocks are our problem now? Such misplaced priorities!”
@Plug08066: “Imagine this nonsense. Should we start arresting people with beards, too?”
@ayo30bg: “Let’s also go after those with bushy beards then!”
@walefgs: “Some of these leaders just need to vanish for progress to happen.”
@001Rcfv: “Sometimes I regret being Nigerian, but at least I’m not aboki.”
@Ze__La_: “Dreadlocks? Really? That’s the priority now?”
