Pathology of firearm mortalities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria: a study of 136 consecutive autopsies

Abstract

A prospective autopsy study of firearms-related death was carried out by the authors in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the pattern, frequency, and anatomical sites of wounds, also the cause of death and the age and sex distribution of victims. The autopsies were performed after being served with the coroner's inquest forms. In all cases standard autopsy procedures were adopted and reports issued. A total of 136 consecutive firearm deaths were autopsied. There were 122 (89.7%) males and 14 (10.3%) females, giving a male to female ratio of 8.7:1. The highest number of deaths, 95 (69.8%), occurred in the age group of 10-39 years with a peak of 51 (37.5%) deaths at 20-29 years. In 112 (82.4%) cases death occurred from homicidal gunshot wounds. The commonest targets of gunshot wounds were the head, 58 (42.6%); multiple anatomical sites, 30 (22.1%); chest, 16 (11.8%); abdomen, 11 (8.1%) and neck, 10 (7.4%). Haemorrhagic shock was the cause of death in 131 (96.3%) cases. Significant causes of traumatic death in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria are gunshot wounds and associated complications. Stringent laws on illegal firearms handling should be passed and enforced by the government to reduce the frequency of such deaths.