The Ogun Police Command has prohibited the usage of fireworks and explosives in the state during the Yuletide season.
SP Omolola Odutola, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), made the announcement on Monday in Abeokuta.
According to Odutola, residents have complained about their inability to distinguish between gunfire and legitimate fireworks.
Residents were asked by the PPRO to respect the privacy of others.
She said:
“The state police command is inundated with report indices coming from residents since Nov. 1, especially in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne, and Sango Ota, over the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks popularly called “banga”.
“They said that the deafening sound of it threatens the state of peace of mind and triggering anxiety of residents, especially amid security concerns.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has henceforth declared a ban on indiscriminate use of explosive fireworks in Ogun State due to residents and the community’s inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks.”
Odutola added that the commissioner had given a severe warning to young people who might seek to defy the mandate, stating that offenders would be prosecuted in compliance with existing laws.
cc: Vanguard Ng
