Osun Police Command assures residents and visitors of safety during the Osun-Osogbo Festival, with officers deployed across strategic locations

The Osun State Police Command has assured residents, tourists and traditional worshippers of adequate security during the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival.

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The command said comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place to ensure the protection of lives and property before, during and after the annual cultural event.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical units to strengthen security operations across Osogbo and other strategic areas.

According to the command, officers would be deployed to major festival venues, access routes, worship centres, tourist locations, markets, motor parks and other identified areas requiring security attention.

Ojelabi said the police would work alongside relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organisers, community leaders and other security stakeholders to ensure effective coordination throughout the celebration.

He added that measures had been put in place to manage traffic, control crowds, prevent criminal activities and respond quickly to emergencies.

The police spokesperson urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant, cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

He also advised parents and guardians to keep close watch on children in crowded areas, while motorists were encouraged to obey traffic regulations and follow instructions from traffic management personnel.

The command warned criminals, cultists and individuals planning to disrupt the festival that security agencies would take decisive action against any unlawful activities.

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is an annual traditional celebration held at the Osun-Osogbo Grove, a UNESCO-recognised heritage site, and attracts visitors from Nigeria and abroad.

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The week-long event will climax on August 7 with the traditional calabash-carrying ritual by the Osun maiden, known as the Arugba, to the Osun River in Osogbo.