Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Nwachukwu Enwonwu, has warned members of the public against the use of fireworks otherwise known as bangers, knockouts, and other explosives during the yuletide season.

This is contained in a statement signed in Ibadan by the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Olugbenga Fadeyi.

The commissioner equally warns against organizing unauthorized street carnivals within the state during the Yuletide season and beyond.

Mr Enwonwu says the warning becomes necessary as part of proactive measures to stem the tide of crimes and criminality that usually characterize the approaching Yuletide and New Year celebrations. 

He notes that parents and guardians are enjoined to warn their children and wards to desist from using fireworks, and shun involvement in any activity relating to street carnivals.

The commissioner states further that the merchants of fireworks and organizers of street carnivals are warned to desist forthwith as offenders would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The statement also notes that the command will not condone any act capable of threatening the relative peace and tranquility being enjoyed by all and sundry in the state, as the Commissioner of Police has directed officers and men of the command to bring perpetrators to book, as to be forewarned is to be forearmed.

He assures the public of proactive measures other than the above has been put in place to ensure crime rate is at its barest minimum in this season and beyond.

The CP, however, craves the indulgence of the people of Oyo State to desist from the act of taking laws into their hands, an act popularly known as “Jungle Justice” but advised that prompt report should be made to the nearest police station or formation for necessary action. 

Mr Enwonwu, therefore, calls for people’s support by giving out credible information for a swift response to distress call through these mobile phone numbers, 07055495413 or 08081768614 and 615.

Rasheedah Makinde