Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Echeng Echeng, has issued an order banning the sale and use of fireworks, knockouts, and firecrackers in Anambra State.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the order was to ensure public peace and safety in the state during the yuletide season.
It read: “As part of a proactive measure by the Anambra State Police Command to sustain public safety and peace in the state, the Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng, has banned the sale and use of fireworks, knockouts, and firecrackers in the state.
“This plan shall enhance adequately, already policing strategy put in place that is potent and dynamic to respond to any emergency and security concerns peculiar to Christmas and end-of-the-year festivities.”
The CP noted that the use of knockouts, and others, aside from constituting nuisance and disturbance of public peace, is also capable of causing unnecessary fear and apprehension and other dangers associated with its usage, especially during this harmattan period.
According to him, the use of the fireworks and firecrackers has the possibility of providing an escape space for criminals after the committing of a crime.
He called on parents and guardians to impress on their children and wards to desist from the sales and use of banned items as the ban is in the best interest of all.
He also warned persons trading in the banned items to seek alternative ventures.
The Commissioner assured that the Command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that there would not be any form of security breach, especially during the yuletide season.
He, however, urged citizens in the state to be vigilant and security conscious and to report all suspicious movements or case of any emergency by dialing: 112 or 07039194332.
