The police command in Osun has announced the ban on the use and sales of fireworks, popularly called knockouts, in the state during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
This is contained in a statement issued in Osogbo by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, under the leadership of the Osun Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
Mr Ojelabi said the ban became necessary due to the security situation in the country.
He said, “The command wishes to draw the attention of the general public, particularly youths, to the dangers and security implications associated with the detonation of knockouts, bangers, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices before, during and after the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations.
”The loud explosive sounds from knockouts are easily mistaken for gunshots or improvised explosive devices, thereby creating unnecessary panic, tension, apprehension and avoidable security alerts at a time the nation is on heightened security watch.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has directed that the use of knockouts, bangers and fireworks in residential areas, near hospitals, places of worship, markets, motor parks, along major roads and wherever is strictly prohibited.”
The spokesperson urged parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards against the usage of the banned fireworks.
He said area commanders, DPOs and heads of tactical units have been ordered to intensify patrols and deal firmly, but professionally, with anyone found detonating knockouts.
“Anyone whose action leads to public disorder, injury or damage to property as a result of this will be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
He reassured residents of Osun that the command had put in place adequate security to cover the festive period and beyond.
He charged members of the public to report any act capable of breaching the peace to the police through their contact numbers: 08039537995 and 08123823981.
(NAN)