Insecurity: Public outrage forces Niger governor to clarify order on arrest of individuals spotting dreadlocks
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has withdrawn his directive on the clampdown by security agencies on persons with dreadlocks amid the security crisis in the state.
This came barely 24 hours after the governor asked security operatives to cut the dreadlocks of anyone arrested and imposed fines on them.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Minna on Tuesday, Mr Bago declared a crackdown on criminals and individuals spotting dreadlocks, ordering the police to also cut the hair.
He said, “Anybody you find with dreadlocks, arrest him, shave his hair, and fine him. Nobody should carry any kind of hair again. I have given the security agencies a marching order.’’
However, the governor’s decision was greeted with public outrage as netzines faulted the governor for discriminating against those with the hairstyle.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Bago said the directive was issued against cult members terrorising the peace of the state.
He denied that his administration was out against dreadlocks in the state.
He stated, “Yesterday, we read a riot act to hooliganism, and people misunderstood our words for people who have dreadlocks.’’
Mr Bago, however, said his administration welcomed investors with dreadlocks into the state.
The governor added, “We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks, but we have a problem with the cultists. So, if you have any business and you have dreadlocks, please come to Niger State. All that is media propaganda.”
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Insecurity: Security agencies conducted 7,062 operations, killed 1,487 terrorists in two months, says ONSA
ONSA says security agencies conducted 7,062 operations, killed 1,487 terrorists and insurgents and rescued 777 kidnap victims nationwide in July and August.
Anti-Corruption
NOUN, BPP to partner on procurement certification, capacity building
NOUN and BPP have agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration, particularly in procurement certification programmes and capacity building.
States
Navy dismantles illegal refining sites in Rivers, recovers 33,000 litres of diesel
The Nigerian Navy dismantled two illegal petroleum refining sites in the Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
World
Iran warns of tougher response to U.S. attacks
Iran warned it will step up efforts to respond to U.S. sanctions.
Economy
UAE builds alternative trade, energy routes amid Iran attacks
The United Arab Emirates is building alternative routes for its energy exports and trade to ensure they are not “held hostage” by the ongoing war with Iran.
Agriculture
Emir of Zazzau inaugurates tree planting along ancient Zaria city walls
The Emir of Zazzau inaugurated a major tree-planting exercise along sections of Zaria’s ancient city walls, blending cultural preservation with environmental sustainability.
