Osun-Osogbo festival: Police assure residents, visitors of adequate security

The Osun State Police Command has issued a strong assurance of comprehensive security measures for the upcoming 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan pledged the command's commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for residents, tourists, worshippers, and all stakeholders before, during, and after the internationally recognized cultural event.

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The command has intensified preparations to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and successful celebration of the internationally recognised cultural festival, which usually attracts visitors from within and outside Nigeria.

In preparation for the festival, which typically draws significant crowds from both within Nigeria and abroad, the command has intensified its efforts. Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi stated that extensive preparations are underway to ensure the celebration proceeds peacefully and orderly. Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical units have been directed to implement robust security plans across Osogbo and other key locations.

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Security personnel will be strategically deployed to major venues, access routes, worship and tourist sites, markets, motor parks, and other identified flashpoints.

Security personnel will be strategically positioned at major venues, access routes, tourist sites, markets, and other identified potential flashpoints. The police will collaborate closely with government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organizers, and community leaders to ensure effective coordination and swift responses to any security challenges that may arise.

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We urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and law-abiding throughout the festival.

The command also emphasized its arrangements for traffic management, crowd control, and the prevention of criminal activities. Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to promptly report any suspicious individuals, objects, or activities to the nearest police station. Parents and guardians are particularly advised to supervise their children in crowded areas. The police warned that criminal elements, including cultists and hoodlums, would not be allowed to disrupt the festival's peace.

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The command will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace of the state.