Operatives drawn from the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Authority, Department of State Services and military formations in Kwara State on Sunday were on guard at the Yemoja River in the Oko Olowo area of Ilorin, Ilorin South Local Government Area to prevent a security breach.

It was gathered that the security men were drafted to the river to prevent a clash between the traditional religion adherents otherwise known as Isese and Islamic preachers who had vowed to prevent the traditional worshipers from celebrating Isese Day at the riverside.

Though the security men were on alert at the premises of the river, neither the traditional worshipers nor the Islam adherents were sighted by The PUNCH correspondent for the celebration of the festival.

However, the Isese festival celebration was held at Shao, one of the traditional towns in Moro LGA of the state.

Speaking with journalists at the Yemoja riverside, the state Commissioner of Police, Mrs Ebun Adelesi, who led the operation, said the heavy presence of security operatives was to keep peace and protect lives and properties.

“The security men are here to maintain peace, we are not here to deprive anyone of his or her fundamental human rights. They have been drafted to this place since yesterday to protect the people of the state.

“The security personnel are here to maintain peace. We have to be alert as a result of what the two sides are saying. We cannot allow the security and peace of the state to be breached. Kwara State is a state of harmony,” she said. (The PUNCH)