The Osun State Police Command has arrested a police officer following the accidental discharge of tear gas that triggered panic during the ongoing 2026 governorship election in Modakeke, Osun State.
The incident occurred at the registration Aaea fentre in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, on Saturday, as voters headed to polling units across the state to cast their ballots.
Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, showing a chaotic scene as residents confronted police officers at the location.
Some residents could be heard speaking angrily in Yoruba while questioning the circumstances surrounding the use of tear gas.
However, the Osun Police Command dismissed claims that its officers deliberately fired tear gas at voters or attempted to disrupt the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command explained that the incident did not occur at a polling unit but at an RAC, where election officials and security personnel are assembled before deployment to voting locations.
According to the police, the tear gas was discharged accidentally as a result of the negligence of an officer who was attempting to ease himself.
“The command wishes to clarify that the incident did not take place at any polling unit. It occurred at the registration area centre and was the result of negligence on the part of an officer who was attempting to ease himself,” the command said.
The police described the officer’s conduct as unacceptable and confirmed that he had been taken into custody.
The command said disciplinary proceedings had commenced against the officer, while an investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether there were any other motives behind the action.
“This conduct is highly condemnable and falls far below the standard expected of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement added.
The clarification followed social media claims that the tear gas was deliberately deployed to scare voters away from the electoral process.
The police rejected the allegation and reassured residents, election observers and other stakeholders that security personnel deployed around polling units were operating under established electoral security protocols.
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The command further emphasised that security personnel are not permitted to carry firearms or tactical gear within the designated radius of polling units.
The police apologised to residents and observers who may have been affected by the incident and pledged to maintain security throughout voting, counting and the collation of results.
“The officer concerned will face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Force’s regulations,” the command said.
The incident comes as voters across Osun State participate in the governorship election, with security agencies under pressure to ensure that the exercise is conducted peacefully and without intimidation.
The police said it remained committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring the safety of voters, election officials, observers and other participants throughout the exercise.
