CP Orders Arrest of Kogi Shop Owners Selling Fireworks

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has issued a ban on the use of fireworks, commonly known as “Knockout” or “Banga,” in the state.

In a statement sent on Friday by the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Ovye Aya, the Commissioner explained that the order was given during a briefing with the Command Management Team at the Command Headquarters in Lokoja.

The Commissioner of Police further revealed that some criminal elements exploit fireworks to commit serious crimes, and as a result, the Command will take steps to prevent such acts of criminality from continuing in the state.

Aya further stated that the Commissioner of Police has urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against using knockouts in the state. He emphasized that officers have been instructed to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating this order.

“The Commissioner of Police further warned that any shop owner who sells or supplies fireworks (Banga) in the state will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he added.

Aya also urged law-abiding citizens of Kogi State to report any shops selling fireworks to the nearest law enforcement agents.

He assured the public that the Commissioner of Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state.

The statement concluded by calling on all members of the public to cooperate and support law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities or objects within their communities to the nearest security agents for swift action.