CurrentReport Blog The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued an urgent directive to all medical personnel in and around the territory, urging them to be prepared for the possibility of receiving victims with gunshot wounds. This announcement comes in the wake of a violent confrontation between police operatives and armed hoodlums on Thursday night.
Gun Battle on Shehu Musa Yar’adua Expressway
On Thursday at approximately 10 pm, a gun battle erupted on the Lugbe end of the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Expressway. Hoodlums had taken advantage of ongoing protests against hardship to block the expressway and launch a massive robbery and assault on innocent citizens in the Lugbe area. The swift intervention by the police led to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Police Statement on Health Personnel Alert
In a statement released on Friday, SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, emphasized the necessity for health personnel to be vigilant. The statement highlighted that any cases of gunshot wounds should be promptly reported to the nearest police formation. This aligns with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017, which mandates that such patients receive immediate medical attention.
SP Adeh’s statement further instructed, “In line with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017, it is instructive to note that such patients come under medical emergencies that require urgent attention to save the life of the patient and should be accorded all necessary medical assistance. However, the Police Division/Formation within the jurisdiction of such a hospital or health care facility should be informed to interview such patients to ascertain their person/roles in the prevailing security situation in the FCT.”
Commissioner of Police’s Warning
The Commissioner of Police has issued a stern warning to those who may exploit the ongoing protests to commit crimes such as armed robbery, shop breaking, rape, assault, and vandalization of public property. The statement underscored that police officers and other security agents are on high alert to address any criminal activities and maintain law and order within the territory.
