Ahead of forthcoming egungun festival in Ibadan, Oyo State capital oyo state Police command has cautioned traditionalists against security violations
In a statment by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Adewale Osifeso, the warning followed a sensitization meeting held with traditionalists, leaders of the various Oje groups (Masquerade Bearing Households) and other non-state actors at the IGP Alkali Baba Usman conference hall, Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele Ibadan.
The statement reads.
“In a bid to ensure an hitch-free and peaceful Egungun Festival, a yearly event showcasing Oyo State’s rich cultural heritage, the State Police Command organized a sensitization meeting with all Stakeholders including traditionalists, leaders of the various Oje groups (Masquerade Bearing Households) and other non-state actors at the IGP Alkali Baba Usman psc(+), NPM, fdc conference hall, Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele Ibadan on Thursday 23/06/2022 in line with its strategic and proactive policing approach.
“The meeting was particularly imperative to address growing concerns of the influx of various interests into the State under the guise of celebrating the age-long festival with loved ones.”
“Consequent upon this, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Williams psc(+) fdc mnim has ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Command tactical formations to embark on confidence building Patrols, Purposeful surveillance activities and intelligence-led visibility policing ahead of the festival slated later this month.”
“While emphatically assuring the good people of the state of their safety before, during and after the festive period, the CP enjoins parents, guardians and leaders yielding varying degrees of influence to warn their wards and protégés against being used by mischief makers to breach the relative tranquility enjoyed in the State”
Mr Osifeso therefore appealed to all and sundry to go about their daily lawful activities without fear of harassment or molestation of any kind.
He said stakeholders have been legally bound by relevant laws and statutes for a peaceful procession exercise which would be actively monitored by the Command in line with standard best practices.
“In cases of emergency, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (toll free) (OYO STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND), and Oyo State Police Command emergency lines 07055495413 and 08081768614. The NPF rescue me app is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and I phone users respectively”
