By Richard Thomas
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, (CP) Adebola Hamzat, (psc) has warned against breach of public peace in the Egungun Festivities in Ibadan metropolis, saying the command has ordered the immediate deployment and marshalling of Command’s operational, intelligence and tactical assets to secure residents following the lift of suspension on Egungun festival by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba (Dr) Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade ll.
It will be recalled that the suspension was placed on the Egungun festival last Sunday due to the spate of violences recorded last week in two different places within the metropolis.
According to a press statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) SP Adewale Osifeso, with reference numberAZ: 5250/OY/PPRO/ VOL.6/195, said the command with its security architecture with effect from Monday, July 24/07/2023, would tilt comprehensively towards preserving law & order during the next phase of the Egungun processions and beyond the festivities.
“The Command wish to inform the general public that it has concluded plans to effectively secure residents and good citizens alike following the “Suspension-lift order” on the annual Egungun Festivities by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Lekan Balogun,CFR,Alli Okunmade II.
“Consequent upon the above, the security architecture of the Command would tilt comprehensively towards preserving law & order during the next phase of the Egungun processions and beyond the festivities.
The command assured residents of metropolis that they shall witness high octane patrols, intelligence led stop and search and technology enhanced surveillance duties during the build-up to the commencement of the next phase of the festivities.
The police boss also assured the general public to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or molestation,
The Command then advised parents, guardians and leaders of influence in the Society to prevail on their children, wards and proteges against being used by criminal elements to distrupt the processions in a bid to create panic and blood-letting as heavy sanctions would be meted out on any one found culpable in accordance with relevant laws.
“In the case of emergencies, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615(Tell free) (Oyo State Security Trust Fund), and Oyo State Police Command Emergency lines 07055495413 and 08081768614.”
