The Osun State Police Command has detained an officer after a tear gas canister was discharged at a Registration Area Centre in Modakeke during Saturday’s governorship election.
The incident, which occurred in Ife East Local Government Area, triggered tension at the location and prompted reactions after videos showing the scene circulated widely on social media.
The footage showed residents confronting police personnel amid allegations that officers had fired tear gas at people at the election venue.
However, the police rejected claims that its personnel intentionally deployed tear gas to intimidate voters or interfere with the poll.
In a statement issued on Saturday through its official X account, the command said the incident occurred at the Registration Area Centre for Modakeke Ward 10, not at a polling unit.
According to the command, the tear gas was discharged accidentally after the officer mishandled it while attempting to ease himself.
The police described the officer’s conduct as unacceptable and said he had been taken into custody pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The statement read, “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.
“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force.”
The command said the investigation would also establish whether the discharge was purely accidental or whether any other factor was involved.
It further reminded residents that personnel deployed to polling units are not permitted to carry firearms or tactical equipment within the stipulated distance of voting centres.
The police urged members of the public and election stakeholders to disregard claims that the incident was deliberately orchestrated to frighten voters or disrupt the election.
The command apologised to residents and observers affected by the incident, assuring them that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against the officer if found culpable.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security during the remaining stages of the election, including voting and collation.
