A member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abiola Awoyeye, has said that the newly passed Osun State Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Bill, 2025, will save lives and protect hospitals from harassment.
The lawmaker, who represents Ife Central State Constituency, made this known in a statement following the passage of the bill by the state assembly on October 21, 2025.
Awoyeye explained that the bill was designed to ensure that gunshot victims across the state receive immediate medical attention without the need for a police report or an initial deposit.
He said the legislation also shields health workers and hospitals from intimidation or legal risks while performing emergency duties.
He said, “The bill seeks to bring an end to the rejection of gunshot victims in the state. It marks a major step in promoting public safety and upholding the sanctity of human life, as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
The lawmaker added that the bill represents a life-saving framework aimed at removing unnecessary bureaucracy in emergency medical response.
“Every human life, regardless of the circumstances, deserves a fair chance to survive. That is the spirit behind this bill,” he added.
According to him, medical professionals and observers across the state have commended the assembly for the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of government responsiveness to citizens’ welfare and safety.
The statement noted that residents believe the bill will put an end to recurring cases of hospitals refusing treatment to gunshot victims out of fear of victimisation by law enforcement agencies.
“With this legislation, Osun State joins the growing list of states making progress in protecting human lives and safeguarding medical professionals in the line of duty,” Awoyeye said.
He added that the new bill aligns with other recently passed legislations, including the Osun State Sports Commission Establishment Bill, 2025, the Osun State Start-up Bill, 2025, and the Osun State Communal Crisis Management and Peacebuilding Bill, 2025.
The Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Bill now awaits the assent of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, to become law.
