Police warn against breach of public peace during Egungun festival in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has issued a stern warning against breaches of public peace during the annual celebration of the Egungun festival in the state.

The command’s public relations officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, gave the warning in a statement on Monday in Ibadan, disclosing several plans to ensure peace.

He said the command had concluded plans to effectively secure residents and good citizens alike.

“With effect from this Monday, the security architecture of the command will tilt comprehensively towards preserving law and order during the next phase of the Egungun processions and beyond.

“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Adebola Hamzat, has ordered the immediate deployment and marshalling of the Command’s operational, intelligence, and tactical assets towards the overall success of the event,” Mr Osifeso said.

He added that residents of the state would witness high-octane patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search, and technology-enhanced surveillance duties during the build-up to the next phase of the festivities.

He urged parents, guardians, and society’s leaders to advise their children against being used by criminal elements to disrupt the processions.

Mr Osifeso said sanctions would be meted out on residents breaching public peace.

The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, recently lifted the suspension on the annual Egungun festival.

The event was earlier suspended due to violence.

(NAN)