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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a high-alert to medical personnel and hospitals in and around Abuja to prepare for potential victims with gunshot wounds.
Naija News reports that this comes after a shootout occurred between police and hoodlums during protests against bad governance.
In a statement, the Command detailed the events leading up to the shootout: “Following distress calls regarding the activities of hoodlums who exploited the ongoing protests, beginning Thursday, August 1st, 2024, to block the Lugbe end of the Shehu Musa Yaradua Expressway around 10 p.m., a confrontation ensued. The hoodlums engaged in robbery and assault against innocent citizens, resulting in an exchange of gunfire with police operatives in the Lugbe area.”
The Command highlighted the importance of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017, which classifies gunshot wounds as medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
Hospitals are urged to provide necessary medical assistance while notifying the police division or formation in their jurisdiction to investigate the circumstances surrounding such cases.
Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, warned against individuals using the protests as a cover for committing crimes like armed robbery, shoplifting, assault, and vandalism.
“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 in order 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 hospital or health care facility should be informed to interview such patient so as to ascertain their person/roles in the prevailing security situation in the FCT.
“The Commissioner of Police hereby warns unscrupulous elements who may want to hide under the guise of protest to carry out heinous crimes such as armed robbery, shop breaking, rape, assault on innocent citizens and vandalization of public property to desist from such.
“He said Police officers and other security agents have been put on red alert to curtail them and maintain law and order.
“The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, CP Benneth. Igweh appreciated residents of the FCT for their continuous cooperation.
“He assures that all relevant measures will be emplaced to ensure that the current protests do not infringe on their fundamental rights or cause them losses or damage to their property,” the statement read.
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