Kwara Assembly urges state government to ban fireworks and knockouts during festive season over security and safety concerns
The Kwara State House of Assembly has called on the state government to prohibit the sale, distribution, and use of fireworks and “knockouts” during festive periods, citing mounting security concerns.
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The motion, titled “The Need to Address the Use of Knockouts and Fireworks During the Festive Season as a Security Countermeasure,” was presented by Ogunniyi David during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Ogunniyi highlighted the challenges faced by security agencies in distinguishing celebratory explosions from gunshots, a situation that often delays emergency responses. “Prioritising security over tradition is essential; a ban would be a significant step toward safeguarding lives and property during this festive season,” he said.
Other lawmakers expressed concern that unauthorised fireworks use can create panic, confusion, and unnecessary tension among residents, particularly at peak festive periods.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to instruct the Ministry of Communications to launch extensive public sensitisation campaigns about the dangers and legal implications of fireworks use.
The Kwara Assembly’s stance aligns with similar measures in other states this yuletide season.
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Osun, Nasarawa, and Delta State Police Commands have all banned fireworks and knockouts, citing security risks and warning that criminal elements may exploit the loud explosions to commit offences.
