Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Authority, Department of State Services and military formations were on guard in Kwara State, at the Yemoja River in the Oko Olowo area of Ilorin, Ilorin South Local Government Area to prevent a security breach, on Sunday.
The security men mounted the river to prevent a clash between the Traditionalist and Islamic preachers who had vowed to prevent the traditional worshipers from celebrating Isese Day at the riverside.
Neither the traditional worshipers nor the Islamic preachers were sighted at the River 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.
Kwara 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 Oba Etutu of Shao, Chief Mobolaji Ajakitipa, who said he celebrated the festival as an annual event in his home, noted that he is an adherent of traditional religion.
“We practise traditional religion in Shao. It is a Yoruba traditional town from Oyo Ile which had existed before Ilorin was founded. We have to celebrate our own Isese festival.
