As tourists, adherents and worshipers converge on Osogbo for the 2026 celebration of Osun Osogbo festival, authorities of the state Police Command, on Thursday assured the residents and visitors of safety.

The Police maintained that effective security measures would be put in place to ensure that the festival is celebrated without any hitch and threat to peace in the state.

A statement by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, assured residents, tourists, worshippers, visitors, and other stakeholders of adequate security before, during, and after the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival.

The assurance came amid preparations to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and successful celebration of the internationally recognised cultural festival, which attracts visitors from within and outside Nigeria.

The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command, Abiodun Ojelabi, explained that the commissioner had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and other operational units to put in place comprehensive security measures across Osogbo and other strategic locations.

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

“The command will also work closely with relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, festival organisers, community leaders, and other security stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and prompt response to any security challenge.”

However, the statement warned criminally minded individuals, including cultists, hoodlums, thieves, and other persons not to exploit the festival to commit crimes or disrupt the peace of the state.