As the Christmas and New Year celebrations draw near, the Police Commands in Imo and Plateau States have announced a total ban on the sale and use of fireworks, knockouts and other pyrotechnics.
The commands said the move is to prevent accidents, fires and unnecessary disturbances during the festive season.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, restated the command’s “total ban on the sale, distribution and use of fireworks, knockouts and all forms of pyrotechnics across the state.”
He warned that anyone found selling, possessing or using fireworks will be arrested and prosecuted, adding that officers will intensify patrols and targeted operations to enforce the directive.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, appealed to residents to cooperate with security personnel and report anyone involved in the illegal use of fireworks. He assured the public that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful Yuletide.
Similarly, the Plateau State Police Command on Saturday declared a state-wide ban on knockouts and fireworks.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, the decision was taken “in the interest of public safety and security” ahead of the festivities.
“The use of knockouts and fireworks has been known to create unnecessary panic, thereby disturbing public peace,” the command said.
It also warned that violators will be arrested and prosecuted. The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, urged parents, guardians and religious leaders to caution children and congregations against using fireworks during the holidays.
Both states reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peace and safety throughout the festive season.
PUNCH Online recalls that during the 2024 Christmas and New Year period, several states including Kwara, Ogun, Rivers, the FCT and Delta also imposed similar bans to curb crime and keep communities safe.
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