Tension as Policeman Allegedly Attempts to Leave Osun Polling Unit With Ballot Box

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Tension reportedly erupted at a polling unit in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State after a police officer allegedly attempted to leave the premises with a ballot box shortly after the conclusion of voting and announcement of the results.

The incident was said to have occurred around 6:06pm at Alajue Ward 1, Polling Unit 010, opposite Seventh Day, as voters and other election officials remained at the location.

According to eyewitness accounts, the officer allegedly picked up one of the ballot boxes and headed towards a silver Toyota Camry in an apparent attempt to leave the area. His movement reportedly attracted the attention of voters, who raised an alarm and moved to stop him.

The officer was allegedly forced to abandon the ballot box and attempted to escape, but some voters reportedly pursued and apprehended him.

The development came shortly after the ballots had been counted and the results declared at the polling unit in the presence of voters and security personnel.

The polling unit is reportedly located near the private residence of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

One of the governor’s wives was said to be at the location alongside supporters who had gathered to celebrate following the declaration of Adeleke as the winner at the polling units.

Prior to the incident, some security operatives reportedly fired a shot into the air while patrolling the adjoining expressway. The action allegedly caused some people around the polling unit to disperse temporarily.

It was during the ensuing movement, according to witnesses, that the police officer allegedly picked up the ballot box and attempted to leave the polling area.

Some voters who remained behind reportedly noticed what was happening and quickly moved towards the officer, thwarting his alleged attempt to leave with the election material.

Several other police officers were subsequently seen pursuing the officer. However, it was not immediately clear whether they were trying to prevent his escape, retrieve the ballot box or intervene in the confrontation.

The officer was eventually taken away from the crowd by fellow policemen, who reportedly placed him inside a patrol vehicle before driving away from the area.

The incident generated tension among residents and voters, with some youths reportedly preparing to confront the security personnel involved.

Community leaders and elders, however, intervened and appealed for calm, preventing the situation from degenerating into a confrontation.

There was no immediate confirmation as to whether the officer was detained following the incident or whether the police authorities had commenced formal investigations.

The identity of the officer and the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to remove the ballot box could not be independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.