The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, have become the center of national controversy following a dramatic confrontation at the hospital that triggered panic, public outrage, and an indefinite strike by health workers.
According to reports, EFCC operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report connected to a fraud suspect currently facing trial in Uyo.
The anti-graft agency claimed it had previously sent official letters requesting confirmation from the hospital management but received no response, prompting operatives to visit the facility physically.
However, what followed has generated conflicting accounts and widespread reactions online.
Hospital staff and eyewitnesses alleged that armed EFCC operatives stormed offices aggressively, disrupted hospital activities, assaulted medical personnel, and damaged mobile phones during the operation.
Some reports also claimed the incident caused panic within the hospital, forcing workers and patients to flee while medical procedures and surgeries were allegedly interrupted.
Particular attention has focused on allegations involving Effiong Ekpe, a senior cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, who was reportedly dragged during the confrontation.
The EFCC, however, denied allegations of assault and insisted its operatives only visited the hospital for lawful investigative inquiries.
According to the commission, hospital staff allegedly locked operatives inside offices, raised false alarms, and attacked officers with stones and dangerous objects while attempting to prevent them from carrying out their duties.
The situation has since escalated beyond the hospital premises.
The Nigerian Medical Association and other health sector unions condemned the operation, describing it as intimidation and an attack on healthcare professionals.
Doctors and other health workers subsequently declared an indefinite strike action, leading to disruption of services at the teaching hospital and increasing public concern over patient care.
The incident has continued to trend across social media because it touches on several major national issues simultaneously, including healthcare challenges, insecurity within public institutions, abuse of power allegations, and the growing frustration among medical professionals in Nigeria.
While some Nigerians defended the EFCC’s right to investigate criminal allegations, many others argued that a teaching hospital should never become the scene of such confrontation and chaos.
As reactions continue nationwide, attention has now shifted to possible responses from the Federal Ministry of Health, hospital management, and the National Assembly.
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