Osun Election: Police Allegedly Fire Tear Gas At Voters, INEC Officials

Voters and election officials in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State have alleged that police officers fired tear gas at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) during preparations for Saturday’s governorship election.

According to Ireporter Online, the incident reportedly occurred at Ward 10, Modakeke III, in Ife East Local Government Area, where voters and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had gathered before proceeding to their respective polling units with election materials.

Sources at the scene alleged that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force used tear gas in an attempt to intimidate residents and discourage them from participating in or monitoring the electoral process.

One of the witnesses claimed that tension erupted at the RAC centre after police officers allegedly fired tear gas at people who had assembled there.

The source said the voters and INEC officials had already completed preparations to move to their various polling units when the incident occurred.

“Current situation in Ife East Ward 10 (Modakeke Ward 3): The police have started firing tear gas at us at the RAC centre. We had already assembled and were fully prepared to move to our various polling units with the election materials alongside the INEC officials before this unfortunate incident occurred,” the source alleged.

The individual further claimed that the action was intended to create fear among residents and discourage them from coming out to vote or observe the process.

“They are using this to intimidate people and create fear so that people will not be able to come out and vote and monitor their votes,” the source added.

The allegation comes amid heightened security across Osun State as voters participate in the governorship election, with security agencies deployed to maintain order before, during and after the exercise.