On Monday, the Ogun State Police Command issued a warning against the usage of pyrotechnics, threatening harsh punishment for any residents found in violation going forward.
According to a statement released by SP Omolola Odutola, the police spokeswoman, the warning became necessary after multiple complaints from state citizens.
The police went on to say that people in the state, especially those from Sagamu, Ikenne, Ijebu Ode, and Sango Ota, among other places, said that the loud noise of fireworks, which is similar to the sound of a pistol, threatened their tranquility and caused worry due to security worries.
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The statement stated that although the police are aware that using fireworks is a deeply rooted custom that is necessary to prepare for the end-of-year celebrations, the citizens of the state must abandon this custom as it is now exacerbating security problems.
In part, the statement said, “Since November 1, 2023, residents in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne, and Sango Ota have been inundated with report indices from Ogun State Police Command regarding the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks. People have expressed concerns about security and believe that the deafening sound of the fireworks threatens their peace of mind and causes anxiety in them.”
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun, has declared an immediate ban on the indiscriminate use of explosive fireworks in Ogun State in response to reports of arrests before the Ogun State Police Command. This decision upholds the community’s distressing complaints regarding residents’ inability to distinguish between real fireworks and gunshots, which has been causing constant terror and sleepless nights.”
The Ogun State Police Command is aware that shooting off fireworks is a deeply rooted custom that must be followed in order to get ready for the year-end festivities.
“It is requested of residents to respect other neighbors’ quiet and privacy. Following the state of emergency, CP Alamutu Abiodun, the Commissioner of Police, is warning young people who might want to disobey this order to do so at their own risk. He also warns that “banga” is illegal and that intentional violations will result in harsh penalties that are in line with current laws.