Police warn cultists ahead of Osun Osogbo festival

The Police in Osun State has revealed that it has credible intelligence that some group of cultists have earmarked August 8 as a day to celebrate cultism in the state.

This is as the Osun State Police Command warned cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to jettison the plan or any of such action as it is monitoring their activities.

The warning from the command is coming as preparations are on for the grand finale of the 2024 Osun Osogbo festival on Friday, August 9.

In a statement by the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba and issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Yemisi Opalola on Wednesday, the police assured that it had put in place adequate security mechanisms ahead of the festival.

“The Osun State Police Command in its efforts to ensure crime free society has put adequate security mechanisms in place ahead of this year’s Osun Osogbo festival.

“The annual festival will attract a lot of tourists and involve a series of traditional activities; the Command therefore wishes to assure the good people of the State and visitors that necessary security arrangements have been placed to ensure that the entire activities lined up for the festival are celebrated peacefully without any threat to law and order.

“In addition, the police command is also using this medium to notify the general public upon credible intelligence received that some group of Cultists are planning to mark August 8, 2024 to celebrate cultism.

“In view of this, the command therefore warns cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to jettison the plan or any of such action(s) forthwith as the command is earnestly monitoring their activities.

“Consequently, the Command in collaboration with other security agents and Civilian JTF will not tolerate any unlawful gathering or assembly that will endanger the peaceful atmosphere of the state, as the plan to mark 8/8 may lead to blood shedding and destruction of properties.

“It is however imperative to remind all parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards, warn them to be law abiding and eschew any act that is in contravention of any provisions of our law.

“The Command will not spare anyone who constitutes any threat to law and order,” it said.

The Osun State Police Command appealed to residents and members of the public to be vigilant and give prompt and actionable information in case of any infraction of the law.