- As Police Command Reiterates Ban On Fireworks
By Godwin Nzemeka
The Delta State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CC Mathew Sunday Ovye has deployed about 1, 480 officers across the state to ensure a hitch-free Christmas and New year celebration.
In a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Anthony Uchenna, stated that the officers deployed were drawn from various specialized units, such as the Armed Squad, Disaster Management Unit, Anti-Vandal Unit, Counter Terrorism Unit, Tactical and Component units.
He explained that the Rapid Response and patrol teams covering the three Senatorial districts have also been mandated to ensure watertight security before, during and after the Yuletide.
As stated in the release, Commandant Ovye, has assured that all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure that all critical assets of government and others throughout Delta State are adequately protected.
He pointed out that the duty of the deployed personnel include the protection of all oil and gas installations and 24 hours surveillance and patrol of the Second Niger Bridge.
The State Commandant, in the statement, encouraged Deltans to go about the festive season without apprehension as the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies in the state, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that miscreants and other criminal elements are apprehended and brought to book until a Safe Delta is achieved.
… As Police Command Restates Ban On Fireworks
Meanwhile, Delta State Police Commissioner, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has called on parents and guardians to remind their wards of the ban on the use, sale and display of pyrotechnics, including fireworks and firecrackers known as ‘knock-out’ and ‘banger’.
The warning was contained in a statement by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe.
“As part of measures to ensure a safe and peaceful Yuletide season, the Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has announced that the ban on fireworks is still in force.
“The Command will be enforcing it strictly which includes ban on the use, sale, and display of pyrotechnics, including fireworks and firecrackers known as ‘knock-out’, and ‘banger’.
“This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce crime as experience shows that criminally minded persons can take advantage of this to unleash terror on law-abiding residents.
“On that note, parents and guardians are advised to caution their children and wards to desist from using these items, and retailers are equally warned to withdraw from the display and sale of these products, as anyone found wanting will be arrested and prosecuted.
“To this end, the CP has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police officers, and Tactical Commanders to monitor strict compliance and address any violations within their respective Areas of Responsibility. “Furthermore, the CP appreciates the cooperation of Deltans in upholding this ban, and citizens are enjoined to always report incidents of the use or sale of fireworks to the nearest police station,” the statement read.
