Police ban sale, use of fireworks in FCT

The federal capital territory (FCT) police have banned the sale and use of fireworks before and during the yuletide.

There have been several incidents of attacks on residents in the FCT and an increase in the activities of gunmen in recent months.

Josephine Adeh, police public relations officer (PPRO) in the FCT, said the ban was part of a proactive move by the command to sustain peace and contain criminal activities during the period.

According to her, fireworks constitute a “nuisance, disturbs public peace and causes unnecessary fear, apprehension, and danger of possible fire outbreak”.

“This is in addition to the possibility of providing an escape space for criminals after the commission of a crime,” she said on Monday.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police in charge of FCT, Mr Babaji Sunday, has ordered all divisional police officers and heads of police units to carry out due enforcement of the ban.

“The idea is to ensure that anyone who violates the order is arrested and brought to book.”

Adeh called on parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to desist from the sale and use of fireworks, firecrackers, knockouts, and other combustible materials.

She warned persons trading in the banned items to seek alternative means of livelihood.

She also urged residents to be more vigilant and security conscious, and promptly report any suspicious activity within their locality.