The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has told hospitals they don’t need police clearance to attend to gunshot victims.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the call by the IGP became necessary following death of victims who could not secure clearance in time to be treated
An earlier directive that had been in place for years required gunshot victims to present police clearance before receiving treatment, a move authorities hoped will help in arresting fleeing criminals.
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Mr. Emmanuel said, “The Police High Command also directed its Officers and men not to harass good Samaritans/Nigerians in this regard, but endeavour to elicit correct facts in relation to incident from them”.
According to the statement, Mr. Arase encouraged doctors and other medical personnel to attend to accident victims and persons with gunshot injuries and thereafter, inform the police for necessary action.
“Doctors on duty are equally duty bound to treat victims of gunshot wounds and further inform Police of relevant facts,” Mr. Ojukwu said.
He said the safety of all Nigerians is a collaborative effort of all and sundry.
“Police therefore, enjoin citizens not to relent in their cooperative attitude in ensuring safety of all. While they are also to report any suspicious person or persons to the nearest Police Station,” he added.