Some residents of Kwara State on Sunday called on the government and police authorities to check the illegal use of firecrackers in the state.

The situation has worsened as the yuletide period draws nearer in the state.

Challenge, Post Office and other commercial areas in the metropolis with a high population of traders have witnessed an increase in the use of firecrackers in the state.

Alfa Ismail, a mechanic at Lajorin, said the situation was becoming embarrassing as the traders in the Challenge area especially threw caution to the wind with the indiscriminate use of the item popularly known as “banger”.

On his part, another resident, Adeojo, said residents have been subjected to fear and harassment, adding that it is very disturbing that the action is being carried out very close to the police headquarters and government house.

On his part, Ishola Audu said hoodlums might leverage the situation to perpetrate crime.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Ejire-Adeyemi Adetoun, told City and Crime that the command would soon read out its Riot Act on the issue. “We are already planning to do something on that and you should hear from us as of Monday,” she added.