Chibuike with his burnt left hand
*As SS2 student loses palm to device
Ewa Nworie/ Angela Nwaeze Mbaocha
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has banned the use of fire works, popularly called ‘knockout’ in the state especially, this Christmas season.
The Special Assistant to the governor on media, Hon.Francis Nwaze, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Friday, December 6, in his office at government house, Abakaliki.
Nweze who said there was no truth in the report carried out by some national dailies that an SS 2 student from Glory High School, Azugwu, Abakaliki, was injured by an explosive suspected to be bomb, noted that investigation carried out, showed that it was a case of ‘Knockout’ and not bomb as erroneously reported.
His words; “At first, when his Excellency heard about it, he was shocked. And he gave directive that a finding should be conducted to know what happened. Immediately, the commissioner for Internal Security, Border Peace, Hon Stanley Emegha, went with a team of security personnel only to find out that it was a case of fire works.
“As a result of this, the governor, Engr. David Umahi directed the immediate ban on the use of fire works or knockouts in Ebonyi state, especially in this Christmas period.
“Anybody caught is going to suffer the full wrath of the law.
Parents and guardians are advised to warn their children”.
Meanwhile, SS2 student of Glory Land High School Azugwu, in Ebonyi local government area of Ebonyi state, lost his left palm to ‘knockout’ explosion on Friday.
According to the state police spokesperson, DSP Loveth Odah, the student, Chibuike Chukwu, went to school with the knockout and during their break period he left with his friends to shoot the device but what was supposed to be fun, turned out to be bloody.
His whole palm was completely damaged while his two friends who were there when the device exploded were left unconscious.
She said the victims were rushed to Alex Ekwume Federal Teaching Abakaliki, and that the students who were unconscious were responding to treatment.
Odah warned members of the public to desist from buying and selling of ‘knockout’ or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.
