By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
As the grand finale of the annual Osun-Osogbo festival holds today in the ancient Osogbo town, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, has assured residents, tourists, worshippers, visitors and other stakeholders of its commitment to providing adequate security before, during and after the 2026 edition of the festival.
The assurance comes as the Command intensifies preparations to ensure a peaceful, orderly and successful celebration of the internationally recognised cultural festival, which attracts visitors from within and outside Nigeria.
The Commissioner has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and other operational units to put in place comprehensive security measures across Osogbo and other strategic locations to safeguard lives and property and maintain public order throughout the festive period.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, “Security personnel will be strategically deployed to major venues, access routes, worship and tourist sites, markets, motor parks and other identified flashpoints. The Command will also work closely with relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organisers, community leaders and other security stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and prompt response to any security challenge.”
The Command further assured members of the public that adequate arrangements have been made to manage traffic, regulate crowds, prevent criminal activities and respond promptly to emergencies. Residents and visitors were urged to remain vigilant and law-abiding throughout the festival.
Parents and guardians were advised to keep watch over their children and wards in crowded areas, while motorists and other road users were urged to comply with traffic regulations and instructions from personnel deployed for traffic management.
The Command also warned criminally minded individuals, including cultists, hoodlums and thieves, against exploiting the festival to commit crimes. “Appropriate measures have been put in place to identify and deal decisively with criminal activities in accordance with the law,” it added.
