FCT residents express concern over persistent usage of knockouts

Some residents in the FCT have expressed concern over the persistent and indiscriminate use of firecrackers and knockouts despite warnings by the police. They also decried the noise and risk the action posed to residents, and, therefore, called for stricter enforcement on the ban, saying the action was a disregard to safety, security and police […]

Some residents in the FCT have expressed concern over the persistent and indiscriminate use of firecrackers and knockouts despite warnings by the police.

They also decried the noise and risk the action posed to residents, and, therefore, called for stricter enforcement on the ban, saying the action was a disregard to safety, security and police directive.

Mr Moses Ibrahim, a resident of Kubwa, said many residents, although aware of the police warning, still used knockouts, especially in the evenings, when people were trying to relax.

He said although the act was “enjoyable” to some, it posed tension and was a danger sign to others, especially with the security situation in the country.

He urged the police to first engage and stop sellers of the product; adding that security patrols in the evening within communities would help reduce the menace.

Similarly, Mr Ali Abdullahi, a shop owner in Dutsen Alhaji, said the use of knockouts still persisted in the area despite the ban, frightening residents and posing risks to shop owners.

He noted that people only obeyed such laws and rules temporarily when directed, hence that until full enforcement was strongly put in place, compliance was hard and defaulters would always find their way.

Another resident, Mrs Amaka Alphonsus, while calling on parents to give a closer monitoring of their wards and children, noted that children were most culpable without fully being aware of the danger it posed.

She said children used knockouts secretly for fun, adding that unless parents, the police and community leaders intensified sensitisation against its usage, compliance might be difficult.

Mrs Sharon Obi, a resident of Nyanya, said her concern was the noise and chaos caused by knockouts which could be exploited by criminals to mask unlawful activities, creating a heightened sense of insecurity.

Recall that the FCT Police Command, in November, issued a warning to residents, advising them to stop the sale, purchase and use of firecrackers, knockout explosives and other unauthorised pyrotechnics during the yuletide. (NAN)