Kwara Assembly Prods State Government to Ban Fireworks Over Rising Festive Crimes
The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the state government to prohibit the sale and use of knockouts and fireworks during festive periods, citing their growing use as cover for criminal activities and the threat they pose to public safety.
The call was made during plenary session on December 10 when Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi raised a Matter of General Public Importance, relying on Order VII Rule 40 of the House Rules.
Ogunniyi argued that while festive seasons are traditionally moments of joy, they have increasingly become periods of heightened insecurity fuelled by the indiscriminate use of fireworks.
He explained that criminals now take advantage of the loud explosions and confusion created by these devices to perpetrate armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Ogunniyi noted that security agencies have repeatedly warned that the blasts from fireworks often make it difficult to differentiate between celebratory noise and gunshots, slowing down emergency response.
He referenced reports from December 2024, when the Kwara State Police Command linked fireworks to at least 12 burglary and robbery cases.
At the national level, he added, the Federal Fire Service recorded over 150 fire incidents caused by fireworks in December 2023, resulting in property losses running into millions of naira.
He stressed that the rising incidents underscore the need for decisive action, insisting that protecting lives and property must take precedence over long-held celebratory practices.
According to him, banning fireworks during festive seasons would reduce opportunities for criminals to hide their activities behind noise and confusion and enhance the overall safety of residents.
Following contributions from members, the House resolved to urge Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to ban the sale, distribution and use of knockouts and fireworks in the state during festive periods.
The lawmakers also called on the governor to direct the Commissioner of Police and heads of other security agencies to enforce strict compliance with such a ban, including penalties for violators.
They further appealed to the Ministry of Communication to embark on extensive public sensitization to educate residents on the dangers associated with fireworks and their links to insecurity.
