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 association announced the industrial action in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency virtual congress held on Tuesday.
Panic reportedly spread across the teaching hospital after EFCC operatives stormed the facility in two saloon cars and a tinted bus. Witnesses alleged that some officers wore masks, while others were dressed in EFCC-branded jackets.
Dr. Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, was reportedly arrested during the operation.
Videos circulating online showed workers, patients, and visitors fleeing for safety within the hospital premises after teargas canisters were allegedly discharged.
However, EFCC spokesperson, Mr. Dele Oyewale, defended the operation, stating that the commission’s operatives had only visited the hospital to verify a medical report presented by a suspect remanded over allegations of defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
Oyewale alleged that the operatives came under attack from individuals who threw stones at them while they were conducting lawful enquiries relating to the medical report.
In the communiqué signed by Dr. Aniekan Peter and Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, the NMA announced the immediate and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across the state, insisting that no dialogue would take place until all detained members were released.
The association condemned what it described as an invasion of the hospital and demanded the immediate release of Ekpe and other detained staff members.
The NMA further alleged that Ekpe was physically assaulted, handcuffed, and forcibly taken away by masked operatives within the hospital premises.
The association also claimed that gunshots were fired during the incident and that mobile phones belonging to individuals recording the operation were confiscated.
Describing the incident as “barbaric”, the NMA stated that the operation violated the sanctity of the hospital environment and disrupted healthcare delivery.
The association further alleged that its state chairman was shoved and exposed to teargas while attempting to seek clarification from the operatives.
The NMA demanded a public apology from the EFCC and called for the prosecution of officers involved in the operation.
It also vowed to institute legal action against the commission and seek N1 billion in damages should its demands remain unmet.
