Despite earlier warnings by the Plateau State Police Command, fireworks and knockouts filled the air across parts of Jos on Christmas eve, unsettling residents of the Plateau State capital.

The loud explosions, which intensified late into the night, accompanied Christmas celebrations in several neighbourhoods, even as police had cautioned residents against the use of fireworks and knockouts due to security concerns.

Weeks before Christmas, the Plateau State Police Command had warned that the use of fireworks and knockouts could heighten fear and panic among residents, particularly given the history of insecurity in Jos and surrounding communities.

Read also: Police ban sale, use of knockouts, fireworks in Plateau

Jos has experienced years of security challenges, and residents say the sound of fireworks and knockouts is often difficult to distinguish from gunshots, creating anxiety during festive periods.

Sandra Pam, a resident of Rantiya, said the repeated loud sounds were frightening and confusing.

“When you hear these explosions at night, you don’t know if it is fireworks or gunshots. It makes people panic, especially those of us who have lived through past attacks,” she told BusinessDay.

Similarly, Mike Duniya, who lives in Dadin Kowa, said the noise disrupted the peace of the season.

“Christmas should be calm, but these knockouts make everyone alert and scared. Some people even ran indoors thinking it was a gun attack,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to officially react to the widespread use of fireworks and knockouts despite its earlier warning to residents.