Tension has reportedly erupted at a Registration Area Centre in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State after police officers allegedly fired tear gas at voters, election officials and other stakeholders.
The incident happened at Ward 10, Modakeke III, where voters and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission had gathered before moving to their respective polling units.
Election materials were also reportedly at the centre when the situation became chaotic.
Sources familiar with the incident alleged that the police action created panic among those waiting to begin the movement to polling units.
One source said the gathering had been orderly until officers allegedly began using tear gas around the RAC.
According to the source, voters, INEC personnel and other participants were forced to deal with the sudden disruption as they prepared for the voting process.
A video from the scene also showed a woman raising an alarm over the alleged use of tear gas. Several police officers could be seen in the area as the situation unfolded.
Those at the centre reportedly viewed the development as an attempt to frighten residents and discourage them from participating in the election.
A source described the incident as particularly troubling because voters and election personnel were at the RAC as part of the normal process of moving election materials to polling units.
The alleged police action could therefore affect not only voters but also the deployment of election officials and materials within the ward.
Concerns over intimidation are especially sensitive during elections, as voters and observers are expected to participate without threats or unnecessary interference.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official explanation from the Osun State Police Command on the alleged use of tear gas at the Modakeke RAC.
The incident has nevertheless raised fresh questions about security conduct around election centres and the need to ensure that voters can exercise their rights without intimidation.