Yuletide: Police ban sales, use of Firecrackers in Edo, Delta

The Edo and Delta State Police Commands have banned the sale, distribution, and use of fireworks, popularly known as “bangers” or “knockouts” in their respective states during the yuletide period. In separate statements, the Commands advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to desist from the act and also cautioned shop owners […]

The Edo and Delta State Police Commands have banned the sale, distribution, and use of fireworks, popularly known as “bangers” or “knockouts” in their respective states during the yuletide period.

In separate statements, the Commands advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to desist from the act and also cautioned shop owners against stocking or selling the items.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbaninika, noted that the loud and sudden explosions from the fireworks are capable of creating unnecessary panic, causing fear in the mind of the public, leading to false security alerts or avoidable emergencies.

He said the use of fireworks constitutes a nuisance and is prohibited under relevant laws.

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He added that any person found selling, purchasing, or using bangers would be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

On his part, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, noted the ban on fireworks was still in force and that it would be enforced strictly in the State.

He said the ban was part of the ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce crime, noting that criminally minded persons could take advantage of this to unleash terror on law-abiding residents.

He assured that anyone found to be in violation of the law would face prosecution.