The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer deployed to the Registration Area Centre in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, after an accidental tear gas discharge caused panic during Saturday’s governorship election.
The Punch reported that the development followed videos circulated on social media showing a chaotic scene in Modakeke, where some residents were heard expressing anger in Yoruba and accusing police officers of firing tear gas without provocation at an election location.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command rejected claims that its personnel deliberately fired tear gas at voters or attempted to disrupt the electoral process.
The police clarified that the incident did not occur at a polling unit but at the Registration Area Centre, attributing the discharge to an officer’s negligence.
“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 confirmed that he had been taken into custody while disciplinary proceedings were 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 suggesting that the tear gas was discharged deliberately to frighten voters away from the election.
The command reminded the public that security personnel assigned to polling units are prohibited from carrying arms or tactical equipment within the stipulated radius of voting centres.
It apologised to residents and election observers affected by the incident, while assuring the public of its commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment during voting and the collation of results.
“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.
