Osun Election: Police Arrest Officer After Tear Gas Discharge Sparks Panic in Modakeke

The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer following a tear gas incident that caused panic at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, during Saturday’s governorship election.

The incident occurred at the RAC serving Modakeke Ward 10, where election personnel and security officials were gathered as voting materials were being organised for distribution to polling units.

Videos circulating on social media showed a chaotic scene at the location, with people seen fleeing as tear gas spread through the area. The development generated concerns among residents and prompted allegations that security operatives had deliberately deployed tear gas to disrupt the electoral process.

However, the Osun State Police Command rejected the claim that officers intentionally fired tear gas at voters or attempted to interfere with voting. The command said the incident did not occur at a polling unit, but at the RAC.

According to the police, the tear gas was accidentally discharged by an officer who was attempting to ease himself. The command attributed the incident to negligence and described the officer’s conduct as unacceptable for a member of the Nigeria Police Force.

The officer involved was subsequently taken into custody, while the command commenced disciplinary proceedings over the incident. Police authorities said the action was necessary to ensure that personnel deployed for election duties adhere to the standards expected of them.

The clarification came amid heightened public attention to security arrangements across Osun State, where voters went to the polls on Saturday to elect the state’s next governor. The election has attracted significant political interest and heightened security deployment.

The police command also apologised to residents, election observers and other persons affected by the tear gas discharge, while assuring the public that security personnel remained committed to maintaining a peaceful environment throughout the voting and collation processes.

The incident nevertheless underscored the sensitivity surrounding the conduct of security agencies during elections, particularly in locations where voters, electoral officials, party agents and security personnel converge.

While reports initially generated claims of an attempt to disrupt election activities, the police’s account indicates that the tear gas discharge was accidental rather than a deliberate operation against voters. The arrest of the officer means the matter will now be subjected to the command’s disciplinary process.

The Osun State Police Command reiterated that it would continue to protect voters, electoral officials and other participants and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process as voting and subsequent collation activities proceed across the state.