Following public backlash, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has declared that he has no issue with people wearing dreadlocks.
Bago, who spoke on Wednesday in Minna, clarified his earlier position on Tuesday, saying his administration is not targeting citizens based on appearance.
He explained that his comments on Tuesday were misunderstood and taken out of context.
“Our message was against hooliganism. Unfortunately, it was twisted to appear as though we’re targeting people based on appearance. We have no issue with dreadlocks. The problem is with criminal cults that have adopted dreadlocks as part of their identity. If you have dreadlocks and you’re here to do legitimate business, Niger State is open to you.”
The governor described the backlash as “media propaganda” and insisted that the state’s security operations are aimed at criminal groups threatening peace and public safety.
“This is simply media propaganda,” Bago stated. “We are going after cult groups that are becoming a threat to peace and security, not innocent citizens.”
