Yuletide: Police restate warning against use of knockouts in Lagos

Firecrackers, also known as firework, banger

The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday restated its warning against the use of firecrackers during the Yuletide, saying violators would face the wrath of the law.

Firecrackers, also known as 'Banger' or 'Knock-out' are a popular feature in various parts of Nigeria during Christmas and New Year.

Speaking in an interview, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Kenneth Nwosu, said the police had already issued a warning to that effect.

``We have issued a press release warning Lagosians against it and we will continue to emphasise that the use of knockouts or fireworks during this Christmas is banned.

``Then it used to be fun but time has changed and we cannot allow some people to continue terrorising others," he said.

The PPRO, however, debunked rumours that the Police and Army officers' wives engaged in selling fireworks, saying that a statement had already been issued to warn every officer of the ban.

``We have issued a statement that the use of knockouts or fireworks is banned, so, when you go ahead to buy it or sell it, you should know you are already in trouble.

``It doesn't matter who sells it, either a police or army officer's wife, the law respects nobody,’’ Nwosu said.

Nwosu added that whoever is in possession of fireworks with intentions to use it was already causing trouble and would face the wrath of the law.