Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre S. Bankole has directed a total clamp down on sellers and users of any form of fireworks, otherwise known as banger or knockout stating that the law banning it is still in force.
The CP in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday also said that everybody who intends to hold any form of carnival procession must seek approval from the nearest police station before embarking on such.
The statement endorsed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi also assures residents of the state that the Command has put in place a robust security arrangement in order to ensure hitch-free Xmas and New Year celebrations.
“The Command is not oblivious of the fact that many religious organisations have their headquarters here in Ogun State, and the implication of that is that there is going to be an influx of people from various parts of the world into the state for one religious obligation or1 the other.
“To this end, large-scale and elaborate tactical as well as covert Policemen have been strategically deployed by the Commissioner of Police CP Lanre S. Bankole across the length and breadth of the state with a clear mandate of ensuring crime-free Xmas and New Year celebration. Men of Special units such as SWAT, PMF, Tactical Response and Intelligence units; Anti-kidnapping and Cultism sections have also been deployed to nip in the bud any violent crime that may want to rear its ugly head. 24hrs surveillance patrols have also been ordered around the various worship as well as event/recreation centres across the state.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Lanre S. Bankole while felicitating with Christian faithful and the good people of Ogun State enjoined them to reflect on the reasons for the Xmas and New Year celebration and be good ambassadors of Christ by ensuring peace at all times.
“He also appealed to members of the public to alert the Police whenever/wherever they noticed any strange/suspicious faces, gatherings or movement in their domain in order to assist the security agencies to perform their duties to the optimal level, as security is everybody’s business”.