By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has announced official ban on the use of knockouts, fireworks and other social explosives during crossover night celebrations and beyond, in any part of the state.
The ban is coming barely two days after a tragic fireworks explosion that claimed two lives during a Christmas carnival in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the incident, which occurred on Monday, December 29, left many shocked, both within the community and beyond, went viral after a video footage of the explosion began circulating widely on social media. The footage, which is currently trending on social media, captures the exact moment the fireworks detonated, triggering loud bangs, and releasing thick smoke and confusion as terrified revelers scampered for safety.
Reports have it that at least two persons lost their lives in the explosion as a result of the fireworks (knockout), while several others, including children, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
According to eyewitness accounts, the fireworks were allegedly packed in cartons and brought to the venue to be disposed of during the carnival, before the situation suddenly spiralled out of control.
One of the victims, identified simply as Ugochi, was said to have died instantly at the scene, while another victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later gave up the ghost, and was confirmed dead. There were also fears that the death toll might rise, as some of the injured reportedly sustained severe burns and deep cuts and were still receiving medical attention.
“The knockout exploded like a bomb. Those closest to the stage collapsed immediately. The sound was deafening, and everywhere became chaotic as people screamed and ran for their lives,” an eyewitness recounted.
This was corroborated by a trending video from the scene, showing thick smoke filling the hall, with participants fleeing to different directions, while the injured were hurriedly conveyed to hospitals for treatment.
In a statement issued few days after the incident, ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, the Anambra State Police Command, through the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, released a clear directive prohibiting the use of knockouts and other explosives during the yuletide period.
Announcing the ban in a statement issued on December 31, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, warned Anambra residents against the burning of tyres and the use of any form of social explosives, particularly during crossover night celebrations and beyond.
According to the Command, the ban is aimed at safeguarding lives and property, maintaining public order, preventing damage to government roads, avoiding environmental hazards, and eliminating security threats that may arise from such dangerous practices.
He stressed that the burning of tyres, fireworks, knockouts, firecrackers or any explosive devices poses serious risks to public safety and would not be tolerated under any guise in the state.
The Police further called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against engaging in such acts, warning that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
CP Orutugu also reassured Ndi Anambra that the Police Command, in synergy with other security agencies, has intensified patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led operations across the state to ensure a peaceful, safe and crime-free yuletide and crossover celebration.
While encouraging residents to celebrate responsibly, the Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, and wished Ndi Anambra a peaceful and joyous yuletide season.
