Medical services in Akwa Ibom have been thrown into crisis as doctors withdraw indefinitely following a violent confrontation involving EFCC operatives at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

According to reports by cbinews.tv, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State has commenced an indefinite strike following the alleged assault, arrest, and detention of medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual congress held on Tuesday.

The incident reportedly caused panic within the hospital after EFCC operatives arrived in multiple vehicles, including saloon cars and a tinted bus, with some officers allegedly masked and others wearing EFCC-branded jackets. Eyewitness accounts claimed that chaos erupted during the operation, forcing patients, staff, and visitors to flee for safety amid reports of teargas deployment within the hospital premises.

During the operation, Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, was reportedly arrested.

Videos circulating online showed scenes of confusion as people ran for safety while the situation escalated.

In response, the EFCC defended its actions through its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, stating that operatives were at the hospital to verify a medical report linked to a suspect under investigation for alleged fraud involving several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank. The commission also alleged that its officers were attacked and pelted with stones during the operation.

However, the NMA strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an invasion of a medical facility. In a communiqué signed by state chairman Aniekan Peter and secretary Ighorodje Edesiri, the association demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Ekpe and other detained staff.

The association further alleged that Ekpe was assaulted, handcuffed, and forcibly taken away by masked operatives, adding that gunshots were fired and mobile phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were confiscated.

The NMA maintained that all medical services across the state would remain suspended indefinitely until their demands are met, warning that patient care would be severely affected by the ongoing strike action.

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