Abuja, Nigeria – May 2025
A church worker in Abuja is fighting for his life and financial stability after being allegedly shot by officers of the Nigerian Police Force and left to shoulder the full burden of medical expenses amounting to over ₦5 million.
The victim, whose identity is being withheld for safety reasons, was reportedly on his way home from a church program when police officers opened fire under questionable circumstances. Eyewitnesses say the officers failed to provide any immediate assistance after the shooting and abandoned the scene, leaving the victim bleeding and in critical condition.
He was later rushed to a private hospital by concerned bystanders, where doctors performed emergency surgery to save his life. Medical reports show that the bullet caused severe internal injuries, requiring a series of complex surgical procedures.
Despite the incident involving state security agents, the victim and his family say they have received no financial support or accountability from the police. The surgery alone has cost them more than ₦5 million—a burden they say is impossible to bear without help.
“We have written petitions and cried out for justice, but nobody is answering us,” a relative told reporters. “He was not a criminal. He was just returning from church.”
Human rights advocates have condemned the shooting and are calling for a full investigation into the incident, as well as compensation for the victim. They argue that cases of police brutality and abandonment of victims are becoming far too common across the country.
“This is not just about medical bills. This is about a system that allows this kind of injustice to continue unchecked,” said an Abuja-based legal activist. “The police must be held accountable.”
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Police Force for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
As the victim remains in recovery, his family is now appealing to the public and human rights organizations for support and intervention.
