The Osun State Police Command has explained the tear-gas incident at Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area, saying it happened after an officer accidentally discharged his tear-gas canister while attempting to ease himself.

The command gave the explanation in a statement posted on its X platform on Saturday, following reports and videos on social media claiming that police officers fired tear gas at voters to disrupt voting.

According to the police, the incident did not happen at a polling unit but at a Registration Area Centre (RAC), where officers posted for election duty were stationed.

“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 command said.

The police said the officer’s action was “highly condemnable” and below the standard expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

It said the officer had been arrested and that an investigation was ongoing to determine what happened and whether there were other motives behind the incident.

The command also denied claims that the tear gas was used to stop voters from exercising their franchise.

“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,” it said.

The police apologised to residents and election stakeholders who may have been affected by the incident.

It also said the officer would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force. (The Sun)