The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer after tear gas was accidentally discharged at the Registration Area Center (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, during Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
Videos of the incident went viral on social media, showing a tense scene in which residents confronted police officers and accused them of using tear gas to disrupt the vote.
However, police said the incident did not occur at a polling station and was not an attempt to scare away voters.
In a statement shared on X on Saturday, the command said the tear gas was released due to the negligence of an officer trying to relieve himself.
“The Command wishes to clarify that the incident did not occur in any polling unit, but rather occurred at the Registration Area Center (RAC) and was a result of the negligence of an officer who was attempting to calm himself down,” the statement said.
Police condemned the officer’s action and confirmed that he had been arrested while an investigation was underway.
“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigerian Police,” the command said.
Police dismissed claims that the tear gas was deliberately fired to scare voters and disrupt the election.
He also reminded the public that police officers deployed in polling units cannot carry weapons or tactical equipment within the designated area around polling stations.