Osun Election: Officer attempting to ease himself accidentally discharged tear gas — Police clarify

The Osun State Police Command has issued a clarification regarding an incident involving the accidental discharge of a tear gas canister. Reports and social media videos had circulated alleging that police officers fired tear gas at voters to disrupt the election in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area.

However, the command stated that the incident did not occur at a polling unit but at a Registration Area Centre (RAC). According to their statement, an officer on election duty accidentally discharged his tear gas canister while attempting to relieve himself. The police described the officer's conduct as "highly condemnable" and stated it fell below the expected standards.

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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 officer has been immediately apprehended, and a thorough investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances and any potential ulterior motives. The command firmly dismissed claims that the incident was intended to prevent voters from exercising their franchise, noting that officers are not permitted to bear arms near polling units. They apologized for any inconvenience caused and assured that the officer would face appropriate disciplinary action.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the Osun governorship election remains free, fair, credible, peaceful, and inclusive.

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For the avoidance of doubt, police officers on election duty are not permitted to bear arms within a specified radius of polling units. Claims that the incident was intended to prevent eligible voters from exercising their franchise are therefore false and misleading.