Arase: new rules for injured victims

The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has jettisoned decades old rule imposed on hospitals not to treat suspicious people with gunshot wounds.

Now under international demands for the observance of human rights, the IGP ordered today that members of the public, including medical personnel, should attend to accident victims and persons with gunshot injuries and thereafter, inform the Police for necessary action.

According to Arase: “This became imperative, following neglects and consequent untimely death of victims in this regard out of fear of being implicated without Police involvement.”

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 incidents from them.

Doctors on duty are, according to the new rule, equally duty bound to treat victims of gunshot wounds and further inform Police of relevant facts. It added: “The safety of 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.’’