Police Arrest Officer After Tear Gas Discharge At Osun RAC

The Osun State Police Command has arrested an officer after tear gas was discharged at the Registration Area Centre in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, during Saturday’s governorship election.

The command said the incident happened at the RAC, not at a polling unit, and described it as negligence by an officer who was trying to ease himself. It said the officer had been taken into custody and that disciplinary action had begun.

Punch, Vanguard and Daily Post all reported the police clarification after videos of the scene spread online. The clips had prompted claims that officers deliberately fired tear gas to scare voters, but the command denied that account.

The police said officers deployed for election duty are not allowed to carry arms or tactical equipment within the restricted area around polling units. It also apologised to residents and election workers affected by the incident.

The command said an investigation would determine the full circumstances of the discharge and whether any other motive was involved. It assured voters that security personnel would continue to protect the election process.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard, Daily Post