UYO, NIGERIA — Medical doctors in Akwa Ibom State have commenced an indefinite strike following an alleged confrontation between operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and staff members at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
The strike action was announced by the Nigerian Medical Association in Akwa Ibom after an emergency virtual congress convened to address the incident.
Tension reportedly erupted at the teaching hospital after EFCC operatives allegedly arrived at the facility in multiple vehicles during an operation linked to an ongoing financial crime investigation.
Witnesses claimed that some operatives wore masks while others were dressed in EFCC-branded jackets during the operation.
During the incident, Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and deputy chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, was reportedly arrested by the operatives.
Videos circulating online showed scenes of panic within the hospital as workers, patients, and visitors reportedly fled for safety.
Some eyewitnesses alleged that teargas canisters were discharged within the hospital premises during the operation.
Reacting to the allegations, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the operatives only visited the hospital to verify a medical report presented by a suspect already in custody over alleged fraud involving microfinance banks.
According to the anti-graft agency, its operatives were attacked while carrying out lawful duties and were allegedly pelted with stones during the exercise.
However, the Nigerian Medical Association strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an invasion of a sensitive medical environment.
In a communiqué signed by the state chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, and secretary, Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, the association alleged that Professor Ekpe was assaulted, handcuffed, and forcibly taken away by masked operatives.
The association further claimed that gunshots were fired during the operation and that mobile phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were confiscated.
The doctors described the development as barbaric and a violation of the sanctity of healthcare institutions.
Following the emergency congress, the NMA directed doctors across the state to immediately withdraw medical services indefinitely.
The association insisted that it would not enter into negotiations until all detained medical personnel were released.
Doctors also demanded a public apology from the EFCC and called for disciplinary action against officers allegedly involved in the operation.
The association further alleged that its state chairman was shoved and exposed to teargas while attempting to seek clarification from the operatives.
The NMA warned that it could institute legal proceedings against the EFCC and seek damages amounting to N1 billion if its demands are not met.
Health sector stakeholders have expressed concern that the strike could significantly disrupt medical services across Akwa Ibom State if the crisis remains unresolved.
Observers say the incident highlights growing tensions between security operations and the protection of critical public institutions such as hospitals.
Attention now shifts to possible intervention efforts by the federal and state authorities to resolve the dispute and restore normal healthcare services in the state.
