Osun Election: Police Arrest Officer Over Tear Gas Incident

Tear gas incident during Osun governorship election leads to arrest of police officer in Modakeke Ward 10. The Osun State Police Command confirmed the arrest of a police officer following an accidental discharge of tear gas at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, on Saturday. The incident occurred amid the state’s governorship election and sparked widespread reactions after videos of the event circulated rapidly on social media. In the footage, residents were seen confronting officers, accusing them of using tear gas to intimidate voters and disrupt the electoral process.

The police command issued a statement on X, clarifying that the incident did not take place at any polling unit but occurred specifically at the RAC. They attributed the tear gas release to the negligence of an officer who was attempting to “ease himself,” meaning he accidentally discharged the canister while handling it improperly. The statement emphasized that the action was not intentional and was not meant to interfere with voting activities or influence the election outcome.

The command strongly condemned the officer’s conduct, describing it as “highly condemnable” and inconsistent with the standards expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force. As part of disciplinary measures, the officer has been arrested and is currently under investigation. Authorities stressed that such lapses undermine public trust and must be addressed swiftly and transparently.

The police also dismissed allegations that tear gas was deliberately used to scare away voters or disrupt the election. They reiterated that officers deployed to polling units are strictly prohibited from carrying arms or tactical equipment within designated areas around voting points. This policy is designed to ensure voter safety and maintain peace during elections.

The incident has drawn attention to security protocols during electoral processes in Nigeria, particularly in high-stakes gubernatorial elections. While the police have taken swift action against the officer involved, questions remain about training and supervision of personnel stationed at sensitive locations like RACs. The Osun State Police Command urged the public to remain calm and await the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, incidents like this highlight the need for accountability and professionalism within security agencies. The resolution of this case will likely influence public perception of law enforcement’s role during future elections.