Police Goes Tough On Dealers, Users Of Fireworks, Crackers, Knockouts In Rivers

Edith CHUKU

Determined to ensure safety of residents during the yuletide period, the Rivers State Police command has reiterated its stand against the use fireworks, crackers, knockouts and explosive of any kind capable of posing panic and tension in the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed Bala, stated this in a release made available to newsmen by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-koko.

He urged residents to cooperate with the police to ensure that peace and order is sustained during the festive period and beyond.

The CP further assured residents and visitors of the state that their safety is paramount to the police.

According to him, “the Rivers State Police Command wishes the good people of Rivers State Merry Xmas and a Prosperous New Year ahead also ensuring to serve you better in this Celebration season.

“The Command has made adequate security of both men and materials to ensure that there will be seamless Yuletide, before, during and after, However, the CP wishes to advise members of the Public on the ban and the uses of fireworks/crackers and knockouts, during and after the Christmas and New Year Celebrations.

“The Command is mindful of the fact that these devices are ‘explosives’ which by their very nature are harmful and capable of disturbing the existing public peace and causing unnecessary panic in the State.

“Consequently, the Command hereby appeals to the general public, parents and guardians alike, to desist from blasting these ‘Devices’ and parents to warn their Children and wards against the use.”

To retailers of those devices, the command equally advised and warned them to “stop the sales, as any person or group of persons found flouting this order will be arrested and prosecuted.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala, again, wishes to assure the people of the State that the Command will leave no stone unturned, to ensure that there will not be any form of security breach.

“As we do this, we count on your unwavering support and cooperation, urging you to be security conscious and report all suspicious elements to the Police, using the following Security numbers: 08032003514, 08028915460 and 08161355218”