The police command in Ogun State has banned the indiscriminate use of explosive fireworks popularly called banger during the yuletide.
The Command Spokesman, Omolola Odutola, said the ban followed complaints from residents in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne and Sango Ota, over the use of fireworks.
Odutola noted that the use of ‘banger’ threatens the peace of mind and triggers anxiety of residents.
She expressed concern that residents “have been thrown to sleepless nights, constant terror from their inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks.”
Odutola said, “Following these reports of apprehension before the Ogun State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, 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 thrown to sleepless night, constant terror from the deafening sound from 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.”
She said the command enjoined residents to respect the privacy and quiet of other neighbours.
Odutola added that Alamutu warned young persons who may want to flout this directive that “Banga is criminalized and punitive sanctions will accompany deliberate violations by extant laws.”
