All medical practitioners in Nigeria should provide prompt and compassionate treatment to all victims of gunshots and accidents, irrespective of the presence or absence of a police report.

Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made the plea in response to the ongoing concern over the tragic loss of lives due to the neglect of gunshot and accident victims.

His plea aligns with the full enforcement of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017, which mandates that all healthcare providers prioritise the immediate care and stabilisation of such patients, recognising the critical importance of timely medical attention in saving lives.

Egbetokun’s decision comes as a response to the relentless outcry from concerned citizens and the broader community, highlighting the tragic consequences of delays in treating these victims.

He underscores the moral duty and responsibility of medical practitioners to uphold the sanctity of life and provide life-saving care to those in need aiming to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers, facilitating a more efficient and compassionate response to emergency situations, and curbing crimes by fulfilling their obligation to invite the Police for assessment while treatment is ongoing.

Egbetokun calls on all medical institutions and professionals to adhere to the directives and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies when necessary, emphasising the paramount importance of saving lives and promoting a safer and healthier society.

He said the Nigeria Police will collaborate with all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health for the full enforcement of the provisions of the Act.

His statement is made available by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.