The Osun State Police Command and the Western Nigeria Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) have deployed their personnel to provide adequate security ahead of the grand finale of the Osun-Osogbo festival slated for Friday.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, informed on Wednesday that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, during a meeting with the organisers of the event, assured them of adequate security to ensure a hitch-free celebration.
He also said that the Commissioner of Police had directed Area Commanders to deploy tactical teams for the grand finale of the festival.
“Tactical teams, mobile units and other units are all on standby for necessary deployment.
“Every security measure is in place, and by God’s grace, we are going to have a hitch-free festival this year,” he said.
Similarly, the Western Nigeria Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), said it has deployed 500 personnel to provide security for the annual festival.
A statement by Amotekun Corps’ Spokesperson in Osun, Yusuf Abass, said that the move was part of efforts to ensure the security of residents, tourists, and dignitaries attending the festival.
Abass stated that 500 well-trained operatives have been deployed to strategic locations within Osogbo, the state capital.
“This proactive measure is part of the corps’ commitment to ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free celebration during the revered cultural event, which will hold on Friday, Aug. 8,” he said.
Abass quoted the Corps’ State Commander, Mr Adekunle Omoyele, as assuring that operatives of the security organisation would be visible at the festival venues, routes, and public convergence points.
Omoyele said that the Amotekun Corps was fully prepared to provide both visible and undercover security operations throughout the festivities.
The commander also issued a stern warning to individuals or groups with criminal intentions, including pickpockets, hoodlums, and other mischief-makers, to steer clear of the festival.
He said that anyone apprehended disrupting public peace or engaging in criminal activity will face the full weight of the law.
Omoyele said that the festival was not only a cultural celebration, but also a significant event that brings global attention to our state.
“We will not allow any person or group to undermine the peace and sanctity of this revered celebration,” the Amotekun Commander said.
He encouraged attendees and local residents to enjoy the celebrations responsibly and report any suspicious activity or breach of peace to the nearest Amotekun operative or other security agencies.
The Osun-Osogbo festival, whose history dates back to many centuries, is usually celebrated in a grove on the outskirt of Osogbo between July and August.
It is among the last of the sacred forests adjoining the edges of most Yoruba cities before the onset of urbanisation.
In recognition of its global significance and cultural value, the Sacred Grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
For indigenes of Osogbo, the festival symbolises traditional cleansing of the town and cultural re-union of the people with their ancestors and founders of Osogbo Kingdom.
