The Ogun State Police Command has banned the use of fireworks and explosives in the state during the Yuletide celebration.

This was announced in a statement issued by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, on Monday, November 13, 2023.

Odutola stated that there had been complaints from residents about their inability to differentiate between gunshots and fireworks in Ogun State.

She noted: ”The Ogun State Police Command is inundated with report indices coming from residents since November 1, especially in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne, and Sango Ota, over the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks popularly called ‘Banga’.

READ ALSO: Man rapes girl during church service in Ogun

”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 inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks.”

The police spokesperson added that the police commissioner had issued a stern warning to youths who might want to flout the directive, saying violators would be punished in accordance with extant laws.

The Star