The Ogun State Police Command, on Monday, warned against the use of fireworks, saying that any resident caught henceforth would be severely dealt with.
The police, according to the statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed that the warning became imperative following several complaints from residents of the state.
The police explained further that residents of the state particularly from Sagamu, Ikenne, Ijebu Ode, Sango Ota, among others, said that the deafening sound of fireworks which is like that of a gun threatens their peace, triggering anxiety amid security concerns.
The statement said though the police are aware that the use of fireworks is deeply ingrained in tradition as an essential preparation for the end-of-year celebrations, the residents must stop this tradition that is now aggravating security concerns in the state.
The statement partly read, “Ogun State Police Command is inundated with report indices coming from residents since November 1, 2023, especially in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne and Sango Ota, over the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks popularly that the deafening sound of it threatens the state of peace of mind, triggering anxiety of residents especially amid security concerns expressed by residents in Ogun State
“Following these reports of apprehension before the Ogun State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun, has henceforth declared a ban on indiscriminate use of explosive fireworks in Ogun State, upholding the distressing complaints from residents and the community about their inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks, that residents have been throwing causing sleepless night, constant terror from the deafening bang of these dangerous explosives.
“The Ogun State Police Command is aware that displays of fireworks are deeply ingrained in tradition as an essential preparation for the end-of-year celebrations.
Residents are enjoined to respect the privacy and quiet of other neighbours. Sequel to the state of security, the Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun, is issuing a stern warning to young persons who may want to flout this directive, does so at their peril and further warns that ‘banga’ is criminalised , as punitive sanctions will accompany deliberate violations in accordance with extant laws.”