For many Nigerians, surviving a gunshot injury does not mark the end of danger. Instead, it often signals the beginning of a prolonged struggle for medical attention, justice, and recovery. Despite critical injuries, some victims arrive at hospitals only to face delays or outright refusal of care—often due to bureaucratic bottlenecks, fear of police involvement, or institutional uncertainty over procedures.
Beyond the physical pain, families are left dealing with emotional distress as they watch loved ones struggle to access treatment in facilities meant to preserve life.
In an interview with Deputy Crime Editor, Evelyn Usman, Mrs. Gloria Egbuji, Founder of the Crime Victims Foundation of Nigeria (CRIVIFON), described the situation as a systemic failure rather than isolated incidents. According to her, the pattern deepens injustice, erodes public trust, and prolongs trauma for victims of violent crime.
Advocacy for Immediate Medical Care
Egbuji explained that one of CRIVIFON’s most impactful interventions has been its sustained campaign to ensure that gunshot victims receive immediate medical treatment regardless of circumstances.
Before the advocacy efforts, hospitals frequently turned victims away while awaiting police clearance or due to concerns over legal liability. CRIVIFON addressed the issue through legislative engagement, public education, media advocacy, and collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to clarify treatment protocols for hospitals.
“These efforts led to the passage and implementation of the Gunshot Victims Protection Act, which mandates prompt medical care for all gunshot victims,” she said.
Current Compliance and Remaining Gaps
While compliance has improved significantly, Egbuji noted that some facilities still hesitate to act promptly.
“To strengthen adherence, there must be consistent enforcement of the law, clear penalties for non-compliance, continuous education for medical personnel, stronger police-hospital collaboration, and increased public awareness of victims’ rights,” she said.
Why Gunshot Victims Became a Focus
According to Egbuji, the foundation’s focus on gunshot victims emerged from repeated cases of institutional neglect.
“Gunshot victims suffer twice—first from the injury itself, and then from denial of care due to fear, misinformation, or procedural delays. This was a clear human rights issue that required urgent intervention,” she said.
Support Beyond Emergency Care
CRIVIFON’s work extends beyond emergency medical advocacy. The foundation provides a confidential reporting hotline, legal advisory services, psychosocial counselling, and referrals to safe shelters for victims under threat.
Emergency response teams are deployed when necessary, while partnerships with hospitals, forensic units, and specialised police departments ensure coordinated support throughout recovery and legal proceedings.
Collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force
Egbuji described CRIVIFON’s collaboration with the police as pivotal in improving outcomes for victims. Officers have received training on human rights, trauma-informed responses, and ethical case handling.
The foundation also helped establish Human Rights Desks and Gender Desks in police divisions, improving responses to cases involving sexual violence, domestic abuse, and child protection.
“These initiatives have improved response times, documentation, confidentiality, and victim confidence,” she said.
Needed Systemic Reforms
Despite progress, Egbuji stressed that deeper reforms are required, including decentralised policing, stronger forensic capacity, faster justice delivery, and better officer welfare and training.
“Rights-based policing and community trust are essential to protecting victims and strengthening public confidence in the justice system,” she added.
Impact on Gender-Based and Child Abuse Cases
CRIVIFON’s training programmes have improved how sensitive cases are handled, she said, noting better trauma-informed interviews, stronger evidence handling, and improved application of laws such as the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (VAPP) Act.
Measurable Outcomes
Egbuji cited cases where CRIVIFON’s rapid interventions led to arrests, prosecutions, victim protection, and family reunifications.
“These outcomes reaffirm the importance of coordinated victim advocacy,” she said.
Long-Term Vision
CRIVIFON aims to expand Human Rights and Gender Desks nationwide, establish victim-support centres in all states, and deepen collaboration with justice and human rights institutions.
The organisation is also working toward creating dedicated trauma centres for victims of violent crime.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian can access justice without fear or intimidation, while fostering a humane, professional, and accountable justice system,” Egbuji said.
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