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In a move aimed at preserving public safety and preventing potential exploitation by criminal elements, the Executive Chairman of Guma Local Government Council in Benue State, Hon. Maurice Orwough, has announced an immediate ban on the use of knockout shots—popularly known as knockouts or bangers—and other locally made explosives across the area.
The decision, detailed in a statement issued on December 17, 2025, by the chairman’s Personal Assistant on Communication and Strategy, Ernest Tortiv, comes in response to growing security concerns within the local government. Hon. Orwough explained that the indiscriminate use of these loud firecrackers has heightened fear among residents, with recent incidents of explosions causing unnecessary panic and forcing people to flee their homes.
He highlighted that the loud bangs from knockouts mimic gunfire or other threats, creating confusion and alarm in communities already grappling with relative peace after periods of instability. More critically, the chairman warned that such sounds could be exploited by criminals to destabilize the area, potentially masking illicit activities or sowing disorder.
Recent loud explosions from these devices have already led to residents abandoning their homes in fear, underscoring the need for swift action. The chairman stressed that anyone found violating the ban will face the full wrath of the law, with security agencies directed to enforce it strictly.
Hon. Orwough further urged youths and residents to cooperate fully by adhering to the directive and reporting any suspicious activities in their communities. This call for vigilance aligns with broader efforts to maintain calm during the festive season, a time when knockouts are traditionally popular among young people for celebrations.
Guma, located in Benue State’s north-central region with its headquarters in Gbajimba, has faced ongoing security challenges in recent years, including attacks attributed to armed groups. This ban reflects a proactive step to safeguard the hard-earned peace and ensure residents can enjoy the holidays without undue distress.
As the yuletide approaches, similar restrictions on knockouts and fireworks have been imposed in other parts of Nigeria, often citing noise pollution, injury risks, and security implications. In Guma, the measure underscores the delicate balance between cultural traditions and public safety in a region working to overcome past vulnerabilities.
