By OLAJIDE IDOWU

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command, has assured adequate security for residents, tourists and visitors attending the Osun-Osogbo Festival before, during, and after the event.

NSCDC Osun Commandant, Mr Igbalawole Sotayo, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday.

Sotayo stated that the command had put in place comprehensive security arrangements in anticipation of the influx of visitors expected at the cultural festival.

“NSCDC personnel are drawn from the Arms Squad, Crisis Management Department, Rapid Response Squad, and the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, to secure lives and property throughout the event, ‘’ he said.

Sotayo urged members of the public to go about their lawful activities without fear.

He assured them that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had developed a robust security strategy to guarantee a peaceful and hitch-free festival.

He, however, emphasised that security was a collective responsibility, appealing to residents, tourists, and other participants to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities.

He also encouraged the public to embrace the principle of “If you see something, say something”, noting that timely and credible information was essential to preventing crime and maintaining public safety.

The commandant also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of the festival.

“Anyone found involved in criminal activities, violence, or any act capable of breaching public peace would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Sotayo said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Osun-Osogbo festival is annual traditional event hosted by the Osun Government with the traditional ruler, Ata-Oja of Osogbo.

The festival, which normally attracts foreign tourists, is taking place at the Osun-Osogbo Grove, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, recognised heritage site located in Osogbo.

The week-long festival will be climaxing on Aug. 7 with the Calabash Carrying Ritual, by the Osun Maiden called the ‘Arugba’, to the Osun River in Osogbo. (NAN)