Police Assure Adequate Security Ahead of 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival

The Osun State Police Command has assured residents, tourists, worshippers and other visitors of adequate security before, during and after the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival, declaring that comprehensive measures have been put in place to guarantee a peaceful celebration.

The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

According to the statement, the Command has intensified preparations for the internationally recognised cultural festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from within and outside Nigeria every year.

The Commissioner of Police said all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and other operational units had been directed to implement robust security arrangements across Osogbo and other strategic locations to protect lives and property throughout the festival.

“The Command is committed to providing adequate security before, during and after the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival,” the Commissioner said.

He disclosed that security personnel would be strategically deployed to major festival venues, access roads, worship and tourist centres, markets, motor parks and other identified flashpoints to maintain law and order.

The police added that the Command would collaborate with relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organisers, community leaders and other security stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and swift response to any security challenge.

The statement further noted that adequate arrangements had been made to manage traffic, regulate crowds, prevent criminal activities and respond promptly to emergencies during the festival.

The Commissioner urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant, law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel, while encouraging members of the public to report suspicious persons, objects or activities to the nearest police formation.

He also advised parents and guardians to keep close watch over their children and wards in crowded places, while motorists were urged to obey traffic regulations and comply with directives from officers deployed for traffic control.

Warning criminals against taking advantage of the festivities, the police boss declared: “The Command will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace of the state. Appropriate measures have been put in place to identify and deal decisively with criminal activities in accordance with the law.”

The Commissioner commended the people of Osun State for their continued support and cooperation with the police, urging everyone to celebrate the annual cultural festival peacefully and responsibly while wishing residents, tourists, worshippers and other participants a safe and successful Osun-Osogbo Festival.