Osun election: Police arrest officer over tear gas incident

The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer after tear gas was accidentally discharged at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, during Saturday’s governorship election.

Videos of the incident went viral on social media, showing a tense scene as residents confronted police officers and accused them of using tear gas to disrupt voting.

However, the police said the incident did not occur at a polling unit and was not an attempt to scare voters away.

In a statement shared on X on Saturday, the command said the tear gas was released due to the negligence of an officer who was trying 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 said.

The police condemned the officer’s action and confirmed that he had been arrested while an investigation was underway.

“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the command said.

The police dismissed claims that the tear gas was deliberately released to frighten voters and disrupt the election.

It also reminded the public that police officers deployed to polling units are not allowed to carry arms or tactical equipment within the designated area around voting points.