Ahead of the festive season, the Ogun State Police Command issued a warning on Monday against the use of fireworks, threatening harsh punishment for any residents found in violation in the future.
The police spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, in a statement, disclosed the warning became necessary after multiple complaints from state residents, especially those from Sagamu, Ikenne, Ijebu Ode, and Sango Ota, among other places, suggesting that the loud noise of fireworks, which sounded a lot like gunfire, was endangering their tranquillity and making them anxious due to security worries.
The police said the command is aware that using fireworks is a deeply ingrained custom and a necessary prelude to the end-of-year celebrations; however, residents must abandon the tradition as it is currently exacerbating security concerns in the state.
The statement 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.”
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