Police commissioner George Chuku has warned Benue residents against sales and use of knockouts and fireworks during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The police also urged Benue masqueraders to be orderly during their outings.

The warning was issued in a statement signed by the Benue command’s spokesman, SP Sewuese Anene, on Friday.

“The CP warns against the sale and use of ‘knockouts’ and ‘fireworks’ and hereby call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, guidance and parents to warn their children/ wards and faithful to refrain from such practices,” said the statement.

The statement disclosed that Mr Chuku also deployed officers and men across the state ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities to intensify the security of lives and property within their area of responsibilities.

The police chief gave the directive shortly after a conference with area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders.

Mr Chuku also urged officers and men to secure all entry and exit routes and adequately protect government facilities, churches, parks and densely populated areas before, during and after the festivities.

“Groups displaying masqueraders are advised to be very careful so that they won’t infringe on other people’s rights,” the police chief warned.

The police commissioner, however, expressed the command’s Christmas and New Year wishes to the people of Benue and assured residents of its commitment to secure the state. 

(NAN)