By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Ahead of the annual Ojude Oba Festival, the Ogun State Police Command has deployed over 2,500 personnel and tactical assets across Ijebu Ode and adjoining communities to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration.
The Command said the deployment forms part of proactive security measures put in place for the yearly cultural festival, which attracts thousands of visitors, tourists, dignitaries and residents from within and outside Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, assured residents and visitors of adequate security before, during and after the festival.
According to the statement, personnel deployed for the operation include officers from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), SWAT, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Force Intelligence Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD-CBRN), Monitoring Unit, Motor Traffic Department (MTD), and other specialised units.
The Command also deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles, police motorcycles, surveillance teams, undercover operatives and rapid response squads to strategic locations expected to witness heavy human and vehicular movement during the celebration.
Areas covered by the security arrangement include the Ojude Oba Pavilion, major highways, entry and exit points, hotels, worship centres, motor parks, markets, residential areas and recreational centres.
The police said the operation is aimed at ensuring effective crowd control, intelligence-led policing, visibility patrols, traffic management, early threat detection and swift response to emergencies.
The Commissioner of Police directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to remain on maximum alert and sustain aggressive patrols and stop-and-search operations throughout the festival period.
Special security attention, according to the Command, has also been placed on strategic routes such as the Sagamu Interchange, Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway, Molipa axis and adjoining communities to prevent criminal activities and traffic disruption.
The Command further warned criminal elements to stay away from the state, stressing that it would decisively deal with anyone attempting to disrupt public peace during the celebration.
While appealing to residents and visitors to remain law-abiding and vigilant, the police also urged parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children and wards.
The annual Ojude Oba Festival is one of the most prominent cultural events in Ogun State, celebrated by the Ijebu people shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.