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).
According to Channels TV, reports that the decision was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual congress held on Tuesday.
There was tension at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital on Tuesday after EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the facility in two saloon vehicles and a tinted bus.
Witnesses said some operatives wore masks while others were dressed in EFCC-branded jackets.
During the operation, Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and deputy chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, was reportedly arrested.
Videos circulating online showed workers, patients and visitors running for safety after teargas canisters were allegedly fired within the hospital premises.
Reacting to the incident, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the operatives only visited the hospital to verify a medical report presented by a suspect already remanded over allegations of defrauding several microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
Oyewale claimed the operatives were attacked while carrying out lawful duties.
According to him, the officers were pelted with stones during the operation.
In the communiqué signed by Aniekan Peter, chairman of the association, and Ighorodje Edesiri, secretary, the NMA condemned what it described as an invasion of the hospital.
The association alleged that Ekpe was physically assaulted, handcuffed and forcibly taken away by masked operatives.
It further claimed that gunshots were fired during the incident and that phones belonging to people recording the operation were seized.
The association described the development as “barbaric” and a violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.
The NMA announced an immediate and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across Akwa Ibom State.
The association insisted that it would not enter into any dialogue until all detained members were released.
The doctors also demanded a public apology from the EFCC and called for the prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the operation.
The association further alleged that its state chairman was shoved and exposed to teargas while attempting to seek clarification from the operatives.
The NMA said it would institute legal action against the EFCC and seek ₦1 billion in damages if its demands were not met.