Osun Election: Police Arrest Officer Over Tear Gas Incident in Modakeke

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a police officer following the accidental discharge of tear gas at a Registration Area Centre in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, during Saturday’s governorship election.

The incident reportedly caused panic among people at the location after videos of the disturbance circulated on social media.

Some residents alleged that the police had deliberately used tear gas to disrupt voting and intimidate voters.

However, the police rejected the allegation, explaining that the incident was not a deliberate attempt to interfere with the election or prevent voters from exercising their rights.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the command said the tear gas was discharged at a Registration Area Centre where personnel assigned to election duties were stationed, rather than at a polling unit.

According to the police, the incident resulted from negligence by the officer involved, who was reportedly attempting to ease himself when the tear gas canister was accidentally discharged.

The command described the officer’s conduct as unacceptable and inconsistent with the professional standards expected of security personnel deployed for election duties.

The police said the officer had been immediately arrested and that a full investigation was underway to establish exactly what happened and determine whether there were any other factors involved.

Disciplinary proceedings have also commenced, with the command promising that appropriate sanctions would be imposed if the officer is found culpable.

The police further urged residents and election observers to disregard reports suggesting that the tear gas was intentionally released to frighten voters or disrupt the electoral process.

The command apologised to residents and others affected by the incident and assured the people of Osun State that security agencies would continue working to maintain peace and protect voters throughout the remaining stages of voting, counting and collation.

The police also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the governorship election is conducted in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere

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