Osun: Police Arrest Officer who scared voters with Tear Gas

The Osun State Police Command has apprehended a police officer who was filmed discharging tear gas during Saturday's gubernatorial election in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area. The incident took place at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, contrary to social media claims that the tear gas was aimed at voters.

A video showed an officer discharging the canister, with a narrator alleging the police fired it without cause. The Osun Police Command responded, stating the officer was mistakenly deployed to the RAC and discharged the gas due to carelessness. They condemned the officer's actions as unprofessional and below the standard expected of Nigeria Police Force personnel.

The command confirmed the officer's arrest and initiated an investigation into the incident's circumstances. They emphasized that election officers are not allowed to carry weapons within a certain distance of polling stations, dismissing claims that the tear gas was intended to hinder voters from casting their ballots as "false and misleading."

The police apologized to affected citizens and election stakeholders, promising appropriate disciplinary action for the officer in line with police regulations.