The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer over the accidental discharge of tear gas that caused panic at a Registration Area Centre in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, during Saturday’s governorship election.
The incident followed the circulation of videos on social media showing a chaotic scene at the Modakeke Ward 10 centre, with some residents heard accusing police officers of firing tear gas at people gathered around the election area.
However, the command said the incident did not occur at a polling unit and was not an attempt to disrupt voting.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the police attributed the discharge to the alleged negligence of an officer who was attempting to ease himself.
“The Command wishes to clarify that the incident did not take place at any polling unit. It occurred at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) and was the result of negligence on the part of an officer who was attempting to ease himself,” the statement read.
The command said the officer was immediately arrested and placed in custody, while disciplinary proceedings had commenced.
“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement continued.
“The officer involved has been immediately apprehended. A thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and to establish whether there were any other motives behind the action.”
The police also dismissed reports that the tear gas was deliberately discharged to scare voters away from the election.
The command reminded the public that security personnel deployed to polling units are prohibited from carrying arms or tactical gear within the designated radius of voting points.
It apologised to residents and election observers affected by the incident and assured the public that measures were in place to maintain a peaceful environment throughout voting and collation.
“The officer concerned will face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Force’s regulations.
“The Nigeria Police Force Osun State Command remains resolute in its duty to protect the integrity of the electoral process and to guarantee the safety and security of all participants,” the statement concluded.
Osun poll: Police arrest officer over accidental tear gas discharge
The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer accused of accidentally discharging tear gas at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, during Saturday’s governorship election.
The incident sparked panic at the location, with videos circulating on social media showing residents confronting police officers and accusing them of firing tear gas at the election venue.
However, the police dismissed claims that officers deliberately targeted voters or attempted to disrupt the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command said the incident occurred at the RAC and not at a polling unit, attributing the discharge to the alleged negligence of the officer involved.
“The Command wishes to clarify that the incident did not take place at any polling unit. It occurred at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) and was the result of negligence on the part of an officer who was attempting to ease himself,” the statement read.
The command condemned the officer’s conduct and said he had been immediately taken into custody, while an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether there were other motives.
“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement continued.
“The officer involved has been immediately apprehended. A thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and to establish whether there were any other motives behind the action.”
The police also dismissed reports that the tear gas was deliberately discharged to scare voters away from the election venue.
The command noted that security personnel deployed to polling units were prohibited from carrying arms or tactical equipment within the designated radius of voting points.
It apologised to residents and election observers affected by the incident and assured the public that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against the officer.
“The officer concerned will face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Force’s regulations.
“The Nigeria Police Force Osun State Command remains resolute in its duty to protect the integrity of the electoral process and to guarantee the safety and security of all participants,” the statement concluded.
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