The Ogun State Police Command has threatened to commence the arrest of persons involved in the use of fireworks, popularly called Banga, by residents of some parts of the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, revealed this in a statement she issued on Monday in Abeokuta.
In the statement from the state capital, Odutola, a Superintendent of Police, said: “The Ogun State Police Command is inundated with report indices coming from residents since the 1st of November 2023 especially in Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne and Sango Ota, over the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks popularly called ‘banga’ that the deafening sound of it threatens the state of peace of mind and 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 Mustapha 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 bang from these dangerous explosives.
“The Ogun State Police Command is aware that displays of fireworks is deeply ingrained in tradition as an essential preparation of 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 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 criminalized as punitive sanctions will accompany deliberate violations in accordance with extant laws.”
