By Funmilayo Olagunju

|

Section 15 of THE COMPULSORY TREATMENT AND CARE FOR VICTIMS OF GUNSHOT ACT 2017 (subsequently referred to as The Act), defines “victim” as used in the Act;

“Victim” means a person who sustained injuries as a result of gunshot, powder burn or other injuries arising out of or caused by the discharge of firearms.

“A person who commits an offence under this Act which leads to or causes substantial physical, mental, emotional and psychological damage to the victim, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not more than 15 Years and not less than 5 Years without the option of fine”

Sec 9 of the Act.

There is a duty on the Hospital to promptly notify the victim’s relatives.

“A Hospital that receives any person with gunshot wound shall notify the family members or relations of the victim as far as they may ascertain within 24 hours of becoming aware of the victim’s identity”

Sec 10 of the Act

Standing by without performing legal duty in furtherance to treatment of gunshot victims is punishable under the Act.

“Any person or authority including any Police officer, other security agent or hospital who stands by and fails to perform his duty under this Act which results in the unnecessary death of any person with gunshot wounds commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 5 years or both”

Section 11 of the Act.

“So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin”

James 4:17 (GNT)