In a pivotal move, the acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive to ensure the prompt treatment of gunshot victims, irrespective of the requirement for a police report.
This directive, in line with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017, was conveyed through an internal police memo.
The memo, dated October 25, 2023, was addressed to various high-ranking police officials, including Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and the Commandants of Police Colleges in Ikeja, Kaduna, Oji-River, Maiduguri, and Enugu.
The memo read, “I forward herewith a copy of letter HMSH&SW/IG/CTCV/ 10/2023 dated 3rd October, 2023 received from Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare on the above-underlined subject, and write to convey the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you comply with and enforce the provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017 without any hesitation.”
It further stated, “The Inspector-General of Police further directs that you make this a subject of lecture and circulate widely for the members of the public to be aware of our compliance with the National Law.” This memo underscores the commitment to ensuring that gunshot victims receive immediate attention as prescribed by the law.
