The police command in Osun State said it has put security measures in place to ensure a hitch-free Osun-Osogbo Festival.

The police also assured participants of the safety of their lives and property.

The state police spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, told journalists on Monday that the command would deploy officers and men to ensure a peaceful festival.

Ms Opalola also stated that the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest assured that they would suspend their protest for the festival.

She said, “We have made arrangements and will deploy officers to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order before, during and after the festival. We have also got assurance from the #EndHunger protest organisers that they will suspend their protest on the day of the grand finale of the Osun-Osogbo Festival.’’

She said that anyone or group planning to disrupt the festival under any guise would be seen as criminal, arrested and dealt with appropriately.

She said that the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, was committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors to the state for the festival.

The Osun-Osogbo festival, an annual event hosted by the Ataoja of Osogbo, is expected to climax on Friday, August 9, at the Osun-Osogbo grove (a UNESCO-recognised heritage site).

(NAN)