Doctors across Akwa Ibom State have commenced an indefinite strike following an alleged assault and arrest of medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The industrial action was declared by the Nigerian Medical Association after an emergency virtual meeting held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The association accused EFCC operatives of invading the hospital premises, assaulting doctors and staff, and disrupting activities within the facility.
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the incident involved Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH. The association alleged that masked EFCC officers apprehended and physically assaulted him within the hospital environment before taking him into custody alongside other staff members who reportedly attempted to intervene.
The NMA further claimed that gunshots were fired during the operation, while mobile phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were allegedly seized. The association described the development as “barbaric, degrading, and inhumane,” stating that the incident endangered both patients and healthcare workers and violated the sanctity of the hospital environment.
The association also alleged that its Akwa Ibom State Chairman, Professor Aniekan Imo Peter, was shoved and exposed to tear gas while seeking clarification from the operatives at the scene.
Following deliberations, the NMA announced the immediate withdrawal of medical services across the state, resulting in the shutdown of healthcare services in government hospitals and affiliated facilities.
Among its demands, the association called for the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Ekpe and all detained hospital staff, a public apology from the EFCC, and the identification and prosecution of officers involved in the operation.
The NMA also disclosed plans to institute legal action against the anti-graft agency, demanding ₦1 billion in damages for what it described as physical, emotional, professional, and institutional harm caused by the incident.
The association maintained that no dialogue or negotiation would take place with any government agency until all detained persons are released.
Reaffirming its stance, the NMA stressed that hospitals should remain safe environments dedicated to preserving lives and should not be subjected to violent security operations. It added that the strike action was intended to prevent future harassment and intimidation of medical professionals in the state.
