Osun 2026: Police clarify tear gas discharge incident, arrest officer

The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer posted to the Registration Area Centre in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, following the accidental discharge of tear gas that sparked panic during Saturday’s governorship election.

The command’s response followed viral video clips on social media depicting a chaotic scene in Modakeke, where onlookers expressed anger in Yoruba at police officers, alleging unprovoked tear gas firing at a polling site.

Reacting via an official statement on X on Saturday, the Command debunked claims that police operatives deliberately targeted voters at a polling unit to disrupt the electoral process.

The statement clarified that the incident took place at the Registration Area Centre rather than a voting centre, describing it as an act of personal negligence.

“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,” the statement read.

Strongly condemning the breach, the police confirmed that the officer involved was promptly taken into custody, with formal disciplinary proceedings initiated.

“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement continued.

“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.”

Reassuring the public on electoral protocols, the police emphasised that security personnel deployed to polling units are strictly prohibited from bearing arms or tactical gear within a designated radius of voting points.

The Command also dismissed social media reports claiming the discharge was aimed at scaring away voters.

Apologising to affected residents and election observers, the Command reiterated its pledge to maintain a peaceful environment throughout the voting and collation exercises.

“The officer concerned will face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Force’s regulations.

“The Nigeria Police Force Osun State Command remains resolute in its duty to protect the integrity of the electoral process and to guarantee the safety and security of all participants,” the statement concluded.