…Backs Down on Dreadlocks Ban, Says Fight is Against Cultists, Not Fashion
The Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, has declared an all-out war on thugs and those allegedly sheltering or supporting them across the state, particularly in the capital, Minna, which has in recent months witnessed an alarming rise in violence and killings linked to street gangs.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday at a high-level security meeting held at the Government House in Minna. He did not mince words about his frustrations with the worsening security situation, which residents say has become unbearable.
“We will have zero tolerance for rascality,” Mr Bago declared. “Anybody that you (referring to security agencies) find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair and fine him.”
He further directed: “Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies.”
The Governor’s comment, however, immediately sparked public outrage, especially online, where many accused him of profiling people based on their hairstyle.
Reacting to the backlash on Wednesday, the Governor clarified that his comments had been misinterpreted. He said the directive was not targeted at people with dreadlocks in general, but rather cult members who have been tormenting residents under the guise of fashion.
“Yesterday, we read a riot act to hooliganism, and people misunderstood our words for people who have dreadlocks,” he said. “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.”
Despite walking back the dreadlock’s order, the Governor maintained that there would be no going back on his broader plan to restore order in Minna.
According to him, over 10 people have been killed this year by street gangs, including a retired permanent secretary. Most recently, on 22 April, some thugs stabbed a bank driver, Mohammed, with a pair of scissors, resulting in his death. The deceased was reportedly assisting local vigilantes in arresting hoodlums near his residence.
In response, the Governor issued sweeping measures, including the ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., with exceptions only for medical emergencies.
He also ordered that any house found to be harbouring criminals or used for selling illicit drugs should be demolished. “Niger State is not for useless people,” he warned.
The Governor went further: “Anyone found in possession of any weapon, including knives and sticks, should be treated as an armed robber. And if he dies, the parents must pay for the bullet before releasing the corpse.”
Governor Bago placed two areas: Angwa Daji and Barki Sale on serious security watch, and warned: “Anyone going to seek the bail of thugs from the police station should also be arrested.”
To fast-track justice, the Governor called for the establishment of a special court to handle thuggery-related offences, saying it should be under the direct supervision of the Chief Judge of Niger State.
He also directed that any vehicle caught smuggling drugs into the state should be seized and made government property.
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