A controversial operation carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital has sparked outrage within Nigeria’s medical community following reports of chaos, disruption of healthcare services, and alleged assault on hospital personnel.
The incident, which occurred at the federal tertiary hospital in Uyo, reportedly caused panic among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors after armed operatives stormed the facility during an attempt to arrest a senior medical official.
Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online showed scenes of confusion within the hospital premises, with workers and patients reportedly fleeing wards after what witnesses described as the firing of tear gas during the operation.
The operation allegedly led to the arrest of Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee. Some reports also alleged that medical personnel were physically assaulted during the incident, although the full circumstances remain disputed.
Medical Associations Condemn Operation
The incident has triggered strong reactions from medical associations and healthcare unions, many of which condemned the operation as dangerous and disruptive to patient care.
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Association of Resident Doctors at the hospital jointly criticized what they described as a “commando-style invasion” of a healthcare facility.
According to reports, the incident forced some hospital workers to abandon wards temporarily over safety concerns, while healthcare services were significantly disrupted.
The controversy has also reportedly led to industrial action by doctors and healthcare workers demanding accountability and protection for medical personnel. (TheStar)
EFCC Responds to Allegations
In response to the public backlash, the EFCC stated that its operatives visited the hospital as part of an ongoing investigation involving an alleged fraud suspect facing trial before the Federal High Court in Uyo.
According to the anti-graft agency, the operation was aimed at verifying a medical report submitted by the suspect. The EFCC claimed that previous letters sent to the hospital seeking clarification on the medical report had not received official responses.
The commission further alleged that its operatives were attacked and prevented from leaving the hospital premises after tensions escalated during the visit.
However, medical workers and eyewitnesses have continued to question the manner of the operation, particularly reports of tear gas deployment and the disruption of critical healthcare activities inside a functioning hospital environment.
Growing Debate Over Security Operations in Healthcare Facilities
The incident has reignited broader conversations around the conduct of security agencies within sensitive public institutions such as hospitals, where uninterrupted medical services are considered critical to public safety.
Healthcare advocates argue that enforcement operations within hospitals require strict adherence to protocols that prioritize patient welfare and minimize disruption to emergency and surgical procedures.
Analysts say the Uyo incident raises important questions regarding operational coordination between security agencies and healthcare institutions, particularly in situations involving active medical environments.
As reactions continue nationwide, many stakeholders are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the operation, allegations of excessive force, and the impact on patients and healthcare delivery.
