Yuletide: Osun Police reinforce bans on fireworks, prohibit street carnivals

The Osun State Police Command has announced that the ban on the use of fireworks, firecrackers, Knockouts, Bangers and other explosives is still in force.

This is as the Command also prohibited street carnivals in whatever guise following intelligence reports indicating that miscreants and hoodlums may capitalise on the yuletide to carry out their nefarious activities under the guise of celebration.

The Command was issued the notice through a statement by the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba and signed by its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola on Monday in Osogbo.

The Command revealed that the ban was still in force as part of its giant stride to ensure a serene environment for lives and property during the Yuletide festivities.

The statement warned members of the public to desist from selling, buying and making use of the banned items during the yuletide season as they may risk causing injury to people and damage to properties.

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The statement partly reads, “Members of the public are therefore warned to desist from selling, buying and making use of these items, especially during this yuletide season as the class of low explosive pyrotechnic devices/fireworks pose risks of causing injury to people and damage to properties.

“This could also cause distraction that may constitute a security threat to the members of the public most especially in Residential Areas, Motor parks, Worship, Events, Relaxation and Recreation Centres.”

The Osun Police Command also urged organisers of street carnivals to hire halls or gates compounds to carry out their festivals.

“In the same vein, Police Command is using this medium to advise members of the public, especially the youths that Annual Street Carnivals are prohibited. The street carnival will not be tolerated in whatever form or guise. Therefore, all organizers of carnivals are enjoined to hire halls or use gated compounds to carry out/celebrate their festivals.

“This warning becomes imperative as miscreants/hoodlums may capitalize on the yuletide to carry out their nefarious activities under the guise of celebration.

“The Police Command therefore admonishes parents, guardians, religious leaders and ward heads to check their children, wards and followers to strictly adhere to the above advice as violators will be made to face the full wrath of the law.