Ogun Police Vow To Deal With Users Of ‘Banga’ During Festive Period

The Ogun State Police Command has warned residents against the use of fireworks during the festive season.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Command said anyone caught violating the order would be seriously dealt with.

According to the statement issued by the Public Relation Officer of the command,  Omolola Odutola, a Superintendent of Police, SP, the warning became imperative due to the serious complaints from some residents, who claimed that the peace is usually threatened by those who use fireworks during the Christmas and New year celebrations.

Complained have been received from places such as Ikenne, Sango Ota, Sagamu, amongst others, the police said.

The statement partly read, “Ogun State Police Command is inundated with report indices coming from residents since November 1, 2023, especially in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne and Sango Ota, over the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks popularly  that the deafening sound of it threatens the state of peace of mind, triggering anxiety of residents especially amid security concerns expressed by residents in Ogun State

“Following these reports of apprehension before the Ogun State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, CP 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 throwing causing sleepless night, constant terror from the deafening bang of 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.

“Residents are enjoined to respect the privacy and quiet of other neighbours. Sequel to the state of security, the Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun, is issuing a stern warning to young persons who may want to flout this directive, does so at their peril and further warns that ‘banga’ is criminalised , as punitive sanctions will accompany deliberate violations in accordance with extant laws.”

Meanwhile, not a few residents said such orders are usually not enforced by the police who normally look away when some unscrupulous elements throw ‘Banga’ at other residents, particularly during the cross-over New Year services in churches across the country.