Residents of Mararaba town, near Abuja, early on Sunday, ushered in the Christmas celebration with firecrackers despite the subsisting ban..
The police had on Friday reminded Nigerians that the ban on bangers remained in force nationwide, warning of dire consequences for violations.
“Parents and guardians are advised to prevail on their children and wards to desist from these acts that are capable of causing tension, fear and apprehension in their neighbourhood.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Don Awunah, in a statement warned that “violators will be promptly arrested and prosecuted”.
The warning, however, fell on deaf ears as fireworks lit the skyline of the populated suburb,
A correspondent, who monitored the traditional Christmas eve celebrations in the town, reports that knockouts also featured prominently.
Many residents, including males and females, young and old, thronged road side bars dancing to latest Nigerian Music amid free use of the banned items.
The violations were encouraged by non-enforcement of the ban as police patrol teams went about their business.
A firework user at a public bar on Abacha Road, who identified himself as T-Gold, told that he was not even aware of any ban by the police.
“I am not aware that the use of firework is prohibited by the police, and I doubt because I have been throwing ‘banger’ since yesterday without being questioned.
“A police patrol team has been going up and down this road, and as you can see, it is celebration galore with fireworks and knockouts, no challenge,” he stated.
The situation was the same in other places visited by , including several roadside bars on Old Karu Road.
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