The police in Osun State have assured residents of the state of adequate security for lives and property before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The state police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, stated this in a message issued on Wednesday in Osogbo.

According to Mr Ojelabi, the stare Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, directed the deployment of officers to identified black spots, including major highways, worship centres and markets.

Mr Ojelabi stated, “In order to ensure peaceful, safe and hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations, the CP has directed area commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to vigorously patrol their areas of responsibility.

“The officers are also directed to conduct constant raids of identified black spots and ensure effective visibility policing before, during and after the Yuletide period.”

He added that in furtherance of proactive policing and enhanced police-community partnership, Mr Gotan rolled out the official contact numbers of area commands and Divisional Police Officers (DPO’s) across the state.

“This is to enable members of the public to easily reach the police for prompt response, intelligence sharing, and emergency assistance before, during, and after the festive season.

“The CP has also ordered adequate deployment of conventional and tactical units based on the operation order across key areas.

“These include major highways, worship centres, markets, recreational centres, and other public spaces to forestall crime and maintain law and order,” Mr Ojelabi said.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies, and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police stations.

Mr Ojelabi said residents could also contact the police through the following numbers and social media handles:

Phone: 08039537995/08123823981. Complaint Response Unit (CRU) numbers: 08035143235 / 08066286549/08030732461

Social media: X: @NPF_Osun_State, Facebook: Presspol Osun, Email: osunstatepoliceng@gmail.com

The police warned criminals and other miscreants to steer clear of the state.

According to the statement, the command will not hesitate to deal with anyone found engaging in acts capable of disrupting public peace.

 (NAN)