Ahead of the annual egungun(masquerade) festival celebration in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, the state police command has warned masqueraders and other participants against breach of security and peace.
The police authorities gave the warning during a sensitisation meeting for all the stakeholders connected with the celebration held at the IGP Alkali Baba Usman Conference Hall, Oyo State Police Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The meeting had in attendance traditionalists, leaders of the various Oje(masqueraders) groups, and other non-state actors that would be involved in the yearly cultural festival.
In a statement, the Command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, said: “In a bid to ensure a 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 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 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.”