The Police Command in Ebonyi has warned residents in the state against the use of fireworks, firecrackers and knockouts also known as bangers ahead of the Yuletide.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Aliyu Garba gave the warning in an interview with the Newsmen in Abakaliki on Tuesday.
Garba reiterated the command’s readiness to ensure security of lives and property during and after the Christmas, noting that personnel would be deployed in all nooks and crannies of the state.
According to him, considering the security situation in the country, the command will not encourage the use of explosives of any form as a means of celebrating Christmas and New Year.
“This is to deter hoodlums from using such devices as an opportunity to perpetrate dastardly acts; the citizen must know that the use of fireworks is illegal.
“Both the sellers and the buyers should desist from any conduct or act that can cause the breach of peace enjoyed in the state.
“During the period, tactical and covert policemen will be strategically deployed across the state to nip crimes in the bud, with a clear mandate of ensuring crime-free Christmas and New year celebrations.
“So, we are putting in place a robust security arrangement to ensure hitch-free celebrations and maintain peace and tranquility,” he said.
He enjoined the people to be careful and celebrate within the ambit of the law and report any suspicious movement around their environment to the nearest police station.
He urged the citizens to always call the police on phone number 07064515001 in case of any distress situation, and support the command in order to get rid of crimes.