Controversy Erupts Over Alleged Neglect of Police Officer Amputated After Gunmen Attack

Controversy has erupted in Nigeria over the alleged neglect and abandonment of a police officer who was amputated after a gunmen attack. The officer, identified as Robinson Irobo, alongside two other police officers, was attacked on August 24th in Isiokolo, a community in Delta State.

The officers, who were on a routine stop-and-search operation, came under attack from the gunmen. While one officer managed to escape, Samuel Obasanya, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, lost his life during the incident.

Robinson Irobo, also an Assistant Superintendent of Police, was shot in his left arm during the attack. He was rushed to a private hospital where his arm was amputated due to the severity of the injury.

However, allegations have emerged that the police authorities abandoned the officer at the hospital and failed to pay his medical bills. The officer disclosed that he was presented with a medical bill of N1.2 million (Nigerian Naira), which he was unable to pay as he had no money.

Mr. Irobo expressed his frustration, stating that the incident happened just days after he had paid accommodation fees for his two children who are currently studying at universities.

When asked about the status of his medical bills, the officer claimed that the police authorities had only made promises to assist with the payment. He mentioned that the hospital authorities informed him that the chairperson of Ethiope East Local Government Area had made a payment, but he was uncertain of the exact amount.

Later in the day, Mr. Irobo received a sum of N50,000 in his bank account, allegedly from an unidentified individual. While he speculated that it might be from the police authorities, the purpose of the money remained unclear.

On the other hand, the police spokesperson in Delta State, Bright Edafe, denied the allegations, stating that the officer had been "duly and properly taken care of." Mr. Edafe claimed that the officer's medical bills had already been settled by the police.

However, when informed that the officer had stated otherwise, Mr. Edafe insisted that any payment would be made directly to the doctor. He refused to disclose the amount paid.

The controversy surrounding the neglect and alleged non-payment of medical bills has raised concerns about the welfare and support offered to police officers injured in the line of duty. It has also highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of such cases.

As the investigations into the incident and the officer's claims continue, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and whether appropriate action will be taken to address the alleged neglect.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-13 News

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