Medical doctors in Akwa Ibom State have embarked on an indefinite strike following the alleged assault, arrest and detention of health workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The industrial action was announced after an emergency virtual congress of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) held on Tuesday.
Tension reportedly erupted at the hospital after EFCC operatives arrived at the facility in two saloon cars and a tinted bus. Witnesses claimed some of the officers wore masks while others appeared in EFCC-branded jackets.
During the operation, Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and deputy chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, was allegedly arrested by the operatives.
Videos shared online showed panic within the hospital premises as workers, patients and visitors fled for safety after teargas was reportedly discharged during the operation.
Reacting to the incident, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that the agency’s officers visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect already in custody over allegations of fraud involving several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
Oyewale stated that the officers were carrying out lawful duties and were attacked during the exercise, alleging that the operatives were pelted with stones.
However, in a communiqué signed by the NMA state chairman, Aniekan Peter, and secretary, Ighorodje Edesiri, the association condemned the operation, describing it as an invasion of the hospital environment.
The NMA alleged that Professor Ekpe was assaulted, handcuffed and forcefully taken away by masked operatives. The association also claimed that gunshots were fired and that mobile phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were confiscated.
Describing the incident as “barbaric,” the association said the action violated the sanctity of the hospital and endangered lives within the facility.
The doctors announced an immediate and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across the state, insisting that no negotiation would take place until all detained medical personnel were released.
The association also demanded a public apology from the EFCC and called for the prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the operation.
According to the NMA, its state chairman was also shoved and exposed to teargas while attempting to engage the operatives during the incident.
The association further threatened legal action against the anti-graft agency, saying it would seek ₦1 billion in damages if its demands were ignored.
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