Assembling Banger Narratives on Facebook

One of the most notable cultural practices, especially during festive periods like New Year’s Eve, is the use of fireworks or “bangers” (also known as knockouts). These explosive devices have become synonymous with celebratory noise, marking the end of the old year and the start of the new. However, a series of tragic incidents surrounding the use of bangers, combined with governmental bans and the growing use of social media platforms like Facebook to discuss these events, paints a dynamic picture of how Nigerians are assembling banger narratives that go beyond mere celebration.

The Cultural Role of Bangers in Nigerian Society

The loud pops and bangs, while disruptive to some, have become an iconic symbol of jubilation. They are seen as a means to chase away evil spirits and usher in the blessings of the new year. However, the exuberant use of bangers has increasingly raised concerns about public safety, noise pollution, and, in some extreme cases, the loss of life. The cultural significance of bangers is undeniable. In many Nigerian households, the excitement surrounding fireworks is deeply embedded in the fabric of community celebrations. Yet, as seen in the recent tragic event where a teenager was fatally shot by a Catholic priest for setting off bangers inside a church, the use of fireworks is not without its dark side. The teenager’s act, though seemingly innocent and aligned with the festive mood of the season, sparked panic within the church, leading to the unfortunate loss of life. The priest’s reaction – to shoot the young person in a fit of panic, further complicates the narrative, indicating the complexities of authority, emotional regulation, and the misuse of power.

The Facebook Phenomenon: Narrating Tragedy and Celebrations

Facebook, as a social media platform, has become a vital space for Nigerians to express their emotions, share stories, and form collective narratives. In the wake of the tragedy involving the teenager and the priest, Facebook users have offered varied responses, from expressions of grief to heated debates over the appropriateness of the priest’s violent reaction.

One of the key ways that banger-related events are discussed on Facebook is through what can be described as “assemblage narratives.” These are collective stories that emerge when individuals share their experiences, perspectives, and emotions surrounding an event.  In the case of the Catholic priest’s fatal action, many Nigerians took to Facebook to reflect on the broader implications of the incident. Some expressed sorrow for the family of the slain teenager, while others debated whether the priest’s response was justified. Still, others used the tragedy to highlight broader issues within the country, including the prevalence of violence, the role of authority figures, and the need for better parenting. These narratives, as they unfolded online, created a mosaic of emotions, opinions, and reflections on how such events intersect with Nigeria’s socio-political and cultural fabric.

Governmental Bans and Public Safety Concerns

While social media provides an outlet for emotional expression and community discourse, it also reveals implying concerns about public safety and governance. The Nigerian government has increasingly taken action to address the growing dangers of banger-related incidents, particularly during festive periods. In Kogi and Gombe states, authorities have enacted bans on the sale and use of fireworks. The rationale for these bans is to curb the growing misuse of bangers by criminal elements, who exploit the cover of celebration to commit acts of violence and disrupt public order.

Police authorities in these states argue that the use of fireworks during holidays provides an opportunity for criminals to cause panic and disorder. For instance, in Kogi State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bethrand Onuoha, emphasized that those caught selling or using bangers would face legal consequences. Similarly, in Gombe State, the police reiterated that unauthorized use of fireworks would not be tolerated, citing security concerns. These actions reflect a broader effort by Nigerian authorities to balance cultural celebrations with public safety.

The government’s crackdown on bangers, though well-intentioned, has been met with mixed reactions. Some Nigerians support the ban, citing the dangers posed by fireworks, especially in crowded areas or during celebrations that can easily escalate into chaos. Others, however, view the ban as an infringement on cultural practices and personal freedoms. Facebook users often voice these concerns, with many expressing frustration at what they perceive as the erosion of their ability to freely celebrate and express joy.

Assembling a Collective Narrative: The Role of Social Media

The intersection of cultural practices, government regulations, and personal tragedies illustrates a key point about the role of social media in contemporary Nigerian society. Through platforms like Facebook, Nigerians have the power to assemble collective narratives that both reflect and shape the public discourse. As tragic events unfold—whether it’s the death of a young person due to an electrical accident while handling bangers or the shooting of a teenager by a priest (social media becomes a space for reflection, anger, and ultimately, the creation of meaning).

These banger-related narratives offer a glimpse into the larger social challenges facing the country. Issues such as public safety, emotional regulation, violence, and cultural practices come into sharp focus. By sharing personal stories, offering opinions, and reacting to news, Nigerians on Facebook are not merely commenting on isolated incidents; they are actively shaping the national conversation on how to navigate the complexities of tradition, governance, and personal responsibility.