Osun: Police Arrest Officer who scared voters with Tear Gas

The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer captured on video discharging tear gas during Saturday’s governorship election in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, contrary to claims circulating on social media that the tear gas was fired at a polling unit.

A viral video showed an officer discharging tear gas, while a narrator speaking in Yoruba alleged that the police had fired the canister at voters without provocation.

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Reacting to the incident, the Osun Police Command said the officer involved had been deployed to the RAC and that the tear gas was discharged as a result of negligence.

“The attention of the Osun State Police Command has been drawn to reports and videos circulating on social media concerning an incident alleged to have occurred in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area where an officer posted to Registration Area Centre (RAC) accidentally discharged his tear gas,” the command said.

The police explained that the officer was attempting to ease himself when the incident occurred, describing the conduct as “highly condemnable” and below the standard expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The command said the officer was immediately apprehended, while a thorough investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether there were any other motives behind the action.

The police also stressed that officers deployed for election duties are not permitted to carry arms within a specified radius of polling units.

It dismissed claims that the incident was intended to prevent eligible voters from exercising their franchise, describing such claims as “false and misleading.”

The command apologised to citizens and election stakeholders who may have been affected or inconvenienced by the incident.

It added that the officer would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.