The House of Representatives has commended the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to the Nigeria Police Force to enforce the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017.
The commendation was contained in a statement released on Sunday jointly signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Rep. Makki Yalleman, and the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi.
The lawmakers said the IGP’s directive was timely and commendable considering the rising complaints by Nigerians about hospitals that decline prompt treatment to gunshot victims, robbery victims, and even vehicular accident victims who do not present police reports.
They noted that the IGP, in an internal memo dated October 25, 2023, directed police officers to comply with the law and enforce its provision without hesitation.
“Worthy of note in the memo signed by the IGP’s Principal Staff Officer, CSP Olatunji Disu, is the directive to the various police formations and commands to “make the law a subject of lecture” to cure the ignorance in many hospitals about the position of the law, which unfortunately has led to the loss of many lives,” the statement partly read.
The lawmakers recalled the recent death of Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi, a brilliant Nigerian who was the victim of a “one-chance” robbery in Abuja on September 26, 2023.
Olorunfemi was reportedly denied treatment at some hospitals because she did not have a police report. She eventually died at a hospital where she was eventually treated.
The lawmakers said the IGP’s directive offers relief that value is placed on the life of every citizen and restores confidence in hospitals.
They also urged the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Medical Association to follow through on the commitment to strict compliance with the Act and prosecute offenders.
The House also called on the media and relevant agencies of the Executive Arm of Government to give wide publicity to the matter.
