By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Delta State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the ban on fireworks, emphasizing the measure as crucial for ensuring a safe and peaceful yuletide season in the state.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, reaffirmed that the “ban on fireworks is still in force as part of measures to ensure a safe and peaceful yuletide in the state.”
The statement highlighted the Commissioner’s directive for strict enforcement of the prohibition on the use, sale, and display of pyrotechnics, including items such as firecrackers and fireworks commonly referred to as “knock-out” and “banger.”
“This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce crime, as experience shows that criminally minded persons can take advantage of this to unleash terror on law-abiding residents,” the statement noted.
Parents and guardians were urged to caution their children and wards against the use of these items. Retailers were also warned to cease the sale and display of fireworks, with a clear warning that violators would be arrested and prosecuted.
To ensure compliance, the Commissioner of Police directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to monitor activities within their jurisdictions and address violations promptly.
The statement also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of Delta residents in upholding the ban and encouraged citizens to report any incidents of fireworks use or sale to the nearest police station or through the command’s control room numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914
