A policeman whose identity was not disclosed was injured in the incident of suspected accidental discharge that occurred within the premises of Ede North Local Government secretariat in Oja Timi, Ede, Osun State.
Eyewitnesses, who preferred anonymity, during a telephone interview, explained that the incident occurred between 10 am and 11 am on Monday.
They said executives and the legislators elected in the February 22, 2025, local government election had returned to the council area and attempted to resume duties.
One of the sources further said, “But one of the policemen deployed to the scene accidentally released a canister, and it hit his colleague in the face.
“He was seriously injured. Gunshots were also fired by the police, but those who attempted to resume and their supporters stood their ground. No one was killed, but one police operative was injured in the face and hospitalised.”
Reacting during a telephone interview, Osun Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident, saying the policeman who fired the canister had been detained.
“When the mob gathered at the secretariat, he (the policeman) was said to have discharged tear gas. That was what led to him accidentally hitting another police officer.
“The police officer is being treated presently, and the officer that discharged the tear gas is being investigated,” Ojelabi said.
Meanwhile, local government executives and legislators comprising members of the Peoples Democratic Party elected in the February 22, 2025, election returned to some council secretariats in the state on Monday, following the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke in Saturday’s governorship poll.
Besides the resumption at Ede North LG secretariat, PDP chairmen and councillors also resumed at Olorunda, Odo Otin, and Iwo local government secretariats, among others.
At Olorunda LG secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo, the Divisional Police Officer was observed at the entrance to the secretariat with many personnel as PDP LG executives and councillors held a victory dance on the premises.
Commenting on the development, Ojelabi said the command warned against any forceful takeover of LG secretariats in the state, appealing for calm by all the parties involved in the disagreement.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent, he said, “The local government matter is in court, and the court has not delivered a clear judgment on that case.
“So, they should follow it lawfully instead of taking the law into their own hands.
“Presently, as I am talking to you, everywhere is peaceful. We urge the people to go about their lawful business.”
