The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer deployed to the Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, following the accidental discharge of tear gas that triggered panic during Saturday’s governorship election.
The development followed the circulation of videos on social media showing a chaotic scene in Modakeke, with residents heard expressing anger at police officers and alleging that tear gas had been fired at voters without provocation.
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 clarified that the incident did not occur at a polling unit but at the RAC, attributing the tear gas discharge to negligence by an officer.
“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 command condemned the incident and confirmed that the officer involved had been taken into custody, with disciplinary proceedings initiated.
“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the police said.
According to the command, an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether there were any other motives behind the officer’s actions.
The police also reiterated that security personnel deployed to polling units are prohibited from carrying arms or tactical equipment within designated areas around voting points, in line with electoral security protocols.
The command further dismissed reports that the tear gas was deliberately discharged to scare voters away from the election.
Apologising to residents and election observers affected by the incident, the police assured the public that it remained committed to maintaining peace and security throughout the voting and collation processes.
The command said the officer would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with Nigeria Police Force regulations.
