Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, has sparked controversy after declaring a crackdown on individuals with dreadlocks, ordering police to arrest anyone found wearing the hairstyle.
The directive was captured in a video currently trending on X (formerly Twitter), where the governor was seen addressing security agencies during a public event.
In the video, Bago issued a stern warning against what he described as “rascality” in the state capital, Minna.
He said: “No tolerance for rascality in Minna. Anybody you find with dreadlocks, arrest him, shave his hair, and fine him.”
“Nobody should carry any kind of hair again. I’ve given the security agencies a marching order. Anybody found with a weapon should be treated as an armed robber.”
The governor also appealed to parents, urging them to take responsibility for their children’s behavior. “Parents, warn your children, warn your wards. From this moment, it’s 100% fire for fire,” he declared.
The video has since triggered a wave of reactions online, with many users flooding the comment section to express their views on the governor’s stance.
See some reactions below:
@mikeoriv: “Everything is going forward in this life except this country.”
@mck1nzy_: “Na God say make I run comot that jungle, dem for barb me wetin no good.”
@Ms_Fej: “Is dreadlocks the problem of Nigerians! All these misplaced priorities by our leaders!! Smh.”
@Plug08066: “Imagine this stupid fool. How about cutting off anyone who keeps the beard.”
@ayo30bg: “People with bushy beard should be arrested too!”
@walefgs: “many of these leaders just need to kpai for us to move forward fr.”
@001Rcfv: “Most times i dey vex say I be Nigerian but out of everything I dey always thank God say Ino be aboki.”
@Ze__La_: “Dreadlocks? Of all things to focus on?”
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