NIGERIA’S NIGER STATE GOVERNER CALLS FOR ARRESTS ON DREADLOCKED CITIZENS

A recent directive by the Governor of Niger State in Nigeria's northwest, Umaru Bago, calling for the arrest of individuals wearing dreadlocks in the state capital Minna as a part of a broader crackdown on violent crimes, sparked widespread public outrage and accusations of discriminatory profiling. The governor's remarks, perceived as targeting a specific appearance associated with the youth, drew widespread condemnation from the public, who called the move unjust and insensitive. The governor later retracted his comments following backlash. In a statement, Bago said his initial statements were not directed towards law-abiding citizens, but the crackdown was aimed at criminals who use dreadlocks as cult symbols. However, many argued that the governor's statements pushed harmful stereotypes that link personal hairstyle preference to criminal behaviour. In Nigeria, individuals who style their hair in dreadlocks are often viewed negatively and are harassed, especially by law enforcement.

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