The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has urged medical personnel to report individuals with gunshot wounds to the authorities following a violent encounter with hoodlums exploiting the ongoing hunger protests.
The police engaged in a fierce gunfight with the criminals, who had taken advantage of the protests to commit widespread extortion and assault along the Lugbe area of Abuja.
Many of these hoodlums were injured in the skirmish and are now sought by the police.
In a statement on Friday, police spokesperson Josephine Adeh detailed the situation: “Following distress calls about hoodlums who used the ongoing protests, which began on August 1, 2024, to block the Lugbe end of Shehu Musa Yaradua Expressway at around 10 pm, they embarked on a spree of robbery and assault.
This led to an exchange of fire with police operatives in the area.”
Adeh emphasized that medical personnel in the FCT should be on high alert for gunshot wound victims: “In line with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017, such patients are considered medical emergencies and must receive urgent care.
However, the local police division should be informed to investigate their involvement in the current security situation.”
Commissioner of Police Bennett Igweh also issued a warning against using the protests as a cover for criminal activities.
“The Commissioner of Police warns those attempting to exploit the protests for criminal acts such as armed robbery, vandalism, and assault to cease immediately.
Security agents are on high alert to maintain law and order.”
Adeh praised the cooperation of FCT residents and assured that measures are in place to protect their rights and property during the ongoing protests.
