NMA Begins Indefinite Strike in Akwa Ibom over ‘Assault of Doctors’ by EFCC Operatives

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom state has commenced an indefinite strike over 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).

According to Channels Television, the association stated this in a communiqué issued at the end of its emergency virtual congress held on Tuesday.

There was panic at UUTH on Tuesday after EFCC operatives stormed the facility in two saloon cars and a tinted bus, with some officers wearing masks and others dressed in EFCC-branded jackets.

Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and deputy chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee, was reportedly arrested during the operation.

Videos circulating online showed workers, patients and visitors scampering for safety within the hospital premises after teargas canisters were shot.

However, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s head of media and publicity, defended the operation, saying the operatives only visited the hospital to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect who has been remanded over allegations of defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

Oyewale said the operatives were instead pelted with stones while making lawful enquiries on a medical report.

In the communiqué signed by Aniekan Peter, chairman; and Ighorodje Edesiri, secretary; NMA announced an immediate and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across the state, insisting that no dialogue would be considered until all detained members are released.

The association condemned what it described as an invasion of the hospital and demanded Ekpe’s immediate release along with other detained staff.

The NMA alleged that Ekpe was physically assaulted, handcuffed, and forcibly taken away by masked operatives within the hospital premises.

The association claimed that gunshots were fired during the incident, while phones belonging to individuals recording the event were confiscated.

It described the situation as “barbaric” and a violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.

The NMA further alleged that its state chairman was shoved and exposed to teargas while attempting to seek clarification from the operatives.

The association demanded a public apology from the EFCC, the prosecution of officers involved in the operation, vowing to institute legal action against the commission, while seeking N1 billion in damages if its conditions are not met.