Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State has declared an indefinite strike following allegations that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) assaulted and detained doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
The decision was reached during an emergency virtual congress held on Tuesday, where members condemned the alleged invasion of the hospital and demanded the immediate release of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other detained staff members.
In a communiqué signed by State Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter, and Secretary, Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, the association claimed Professor Ekpe was assaulted, handcuffed, and taken away by masked operatives inside the hospital premises.
The NMA further alleged that gunshots were fired during the operation and phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were seized, describing the development as “barbaric” and a violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.
The association also accused operatives of exposing its chairman to tear gas while he attempted to seek clarification over the incident. Following the meeting, the doctors announced an immediate withdrawal of medical services across the state, insisting there would be no negotiations until all detained members are freed.
The association also demanded a public apology from the EFCC, the prosecution of officers allegedly involved, and revealed plans to sue the commission for ₦1 billion in damages.
However, the EFCC denied the allegations, stating that its operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report linked to an ongoing fraud case and maintained that its officers acted professionally despite allegedly being attacked by some hospital staff.
