The Osun State Police Command has arrested a police officer over 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 at the location after videos showing the disturbance circulated on social media, with some residents accusing policemen of firing tear gas at voters without provocation.
However, the police dismissed claims that the incident was a deliberate attempt to disrupt voting or frighten voters away from the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command explained that the incident did not occur at a polling unit but at a Registration Area Centre, where personnel deployed for election duties were stationed.
The command attributed the discharge to negligence by the officer involved, who was reportedly attempting to ease himself when the incident occurred.
The police described the conduct as unacceptable and below the professional standards expected of personnel deployed for election security duties.
“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 said.
The command added that disciplinary proceedings had commenced against the officer and assured the public that appropriate sanctions would be imposed if found culpable.
It also reiterated that security personnel deployed to polling units were not permitted to carry arms or tactical equipment within the stipulated vicinity of voting points, in line with electoral security guidelines.
The police urged residents and election observers to disregard reports suggesting that the tear gas was deliberately released to scare voters away from the polling area.
Apologising to residents and other persons affected by the incident, the command pledged to maintain security and a peaceful atmosphere throughout voting, vote counting and collation.
The command said the investigation would establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while assuring the people of Osun State that it remained committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
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