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The Osun State Police Command has explained that the discharge of tear gas at Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government of the state was “accidental”.
In a post on its verified X page, the command also clarified that the incident occurred at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) and not at a polling unit as speculated in some quarters.
A viral video which circulated earlier on Saturday shows some policemen being verbally reprimanded by members of the public for firing tear gas at the centre as Saturday’s governorship election got underway in the state.
Reacting to the incident, the command said, “The attention of the Osun State Police Command has been drawn to reports and videos circulating on social media concerning an incident alleged to have occurred in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area where an officer posted to Registration Area Centre (RAC) accidentally discharged his teargas.
“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 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.
“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.
“The Command sincerely apologises to all law-abiding citizens and election stakeholders who may have been affected or inconvenienced by the incident. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring that the ongoing electoral process in Osun State is free, fair, credible, peaceful and inclusive.
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.”
