The Niger State Government has reaffirmed its decision to clamp down on youths with distinct hairstyles, particularly dreadlocks causing mayhem in parts of Minna, the state capital.
A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman on Friday, said Governor Umaru Bago’s executive order still stands
However, she explained it will only affect those who wear dreadlocks in front while the back of their heads is shaved.
Recall that this week, Governor Bago had banned Okada and Keke Napep (motorcycles) in the state and given a marching order to security agencies to henceforth arrest any youth carrying dreadlocks but has his hair shaved.
The Commissioner stated that government has observed a disturbing trend among some youth groups with this distinct hairstyle, which has been linked to violent attacks and crimes in parts of Minna.
“The defaulters that will be arrested are those who wear certain dreadlocks in front while the back of their heads are shaved that appears to be evolving into a form of group identity or cultism. The security agencies know them because they walk in droves, ” she insisted.
The Commissioner noted that the government has advised security agencies to closely monitor individuals with this distinct hairstyle and arrest those who fit the description.
Mamman emphasized that the measure is not intended to criminalize hairstyles but to protect lives and maintain order while appealing to Nigerlites to understand and support these efforts,
