LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer after an accidental tear gas discharge caused panic at a Registration Area Centre in Modakeke during the governorship election.
The incident occurred at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, rather than at a polling unit, according to the police.
The Command’s response followed videos shared on social media showing a chaotic scene in the area, with residents heard expressing anger in Yoruba and accusing police officers of firing tear gas at voters without provocation.
However, the police rejected claims that officers deliberately targeted voters or attempted to disrupt the election.
To clarify the situation, the Command released a statement via X social, saying the tear gas was discharged due to an officer’s negligence while he 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 explained.
The Command condemned the officer’s conduct and confirmed that he had been taken into custody while an investigation was launched.
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“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force. 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 statement read.
Also, the police stressed that security personnel deployed to polling units are not allowed to carry arms or tactical equipment within the designated area around voting points.
The Command further dismissed social media claims that the tear gas was deliberately discharged to frighten voters away from the election.
An official apology was therefore issued to residents and election observers affected by the incident, while the police command assured the public that it remained committed to maintaining peace throughout voting and the collation of results.
“The officer concerned will face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Force’s regulations,” the statement added.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting voters and preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
“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.
