The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State has declared an indefinite strike following allegations that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) assaulted, arrested and detained medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
The decision was reached during an emergency virtual congress held on Tuesday, where members of the association strongly condemned what they described as an invasion of the hospital premises by EFCC operatives.
The association demanded the immediate release of Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH, alongside other members of staff allegedly detained during the incident.
In a communiqué jointly signed by the State Chairman of the NMA, Professor Aniekan Peter, and the Secretary, Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, the association accused EFCC operatives of physically assaulting Professor Ekpe before handcuffing and forcefully taking him away from the hospital.
The NMA also alleged that the operatives, who were reportedly masked, carried out the operation within the hospital environment, causing panic among staff and patients.
According to the association, gunshots were allegedly fired during the incident, while mobile phones belonging to individuals who attempted to record the scene were confiscated.
The doctors described the development as “barbaric,” insisting that the action violated the sanctity and safety of the hospital environment.
The association also claimed that its state chairman was shoved and exposed to tear gas while attempting to engage the operatives and seek clarification over the situation.
Following deliberations at the emergency congress, the NMA announced the immediate withdrawal of medical services across Akwa Ibom State.
The association maintained that the strike would continue indefinitely until all detained medical personnel are released.
It also demanded a public apology from the EFCC and called for the prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the operation.
In addition, the association disclosed plans to institute legal proceedings against the anti-graft agency, seeking damages amounting to N1 billion.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has denied the allegations made by the medical association, insisting that its operatives acted professionally during the visit to the hospital.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the commission explained that its officers visited the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect currently facing trial over an alleged fraud case involving several microfinance banks.
The commission stated that before the visit, it had written two separate letters to the hospital management requesting clarification regarding the medical report but allegedly received no response.
According to the EFCC, the operatives eventually visited the facility as a last resort to obtain the needed clarification.
However, the anti-corruption agency claimed that some hospital staff attacked its officers during the visit by pelting them with stones and other objects.
The EFCC also alleged that the hospital management ordered the closure of the facility’s gates, making it difficult for its operatives to leave the premises peacefully.
Despite the tension surrounding the incident, the commission maintained that its officers exercised restraint throughout the operation.
The agency stressed that cooperation with lawful investigations remains a civic responsibility and insisted that its operatives conducted themselves professionally during the encounter.
The development has since generated concern among residents and patients in Akwa Ibom State, as the indefinite strike is expected to disrupt healthcare services across government hospitals and medical facilities.
