The Ogun State Police command has banned the use of fireworks and explosives in the state during the Yuletide celebrations.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta on Monday.

Ms Odutola said there had been complaints from residents about their inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks.

The PPRO urged residents to respect the privacy of others.

“The state police command is inundated with reports from residents since November 1 especially in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne and Sango Ota, over the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks popularly called ‘banger.’

“They said that the deafening sound of it threatens their peace of mind and triggers anxiety of residents especially amid security concerns. The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has henceforth declared a ban on indiscriminate use of explosive fireworks in Ogun State due to residents and the community’s inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks,” she said.

Ms Odutola added that the commissioner had issued a warning to young persons who might want to flout the directive, saying violators would be punished in accordance with extant laws. (NAN)