IGP Directs Hospitals to treat gunshot victims

Solomon Arase, inspector-general of police, has directed
hospitals to give medical care to victims of gunshot
wounds.

It has been the unwritten rule of Nigerian hospitals to deny
people with gunshot wounds medical care for fear of being
implicated without the involvement of the police.

But on Friday, Arase enjoined citizens, including medical
personnel, to attend to accident victims and persons with
gunshot wounds and thereafter inform the police for
necessary action.

“This became imperative, following neglect and consequent
untimely death of victims in this regard out of fear of being
implicated without police involvement,” Emmanuel Ojukwu,
police spokesman, said.

The police high command also directed its officers and men
not to harass good Samaritans/Nigerians in this regard, but
endeavour to elicit correct facts in relation to incident from
them.

“Doctors on duty are equally duty bound to treat victims of
gunshot wounds and further inform police of relevant facts.
The safety of Nigerians is a collaborative effort of all and
sundry,” Ojukwu added.

“Police therefore, enjoin citizens not to relent in their
cooperative attitude in ensuring safety of all. While they are
also to report any suspicious person or persons to the
nearest police station.”