Activities at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, were disrupted on Tuesday following an alleged raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Eyewitnesses say the operatives stormed the hospital premises at about 10am in two saloon cars and a tinted bus, reportedly to effect the arrest of the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Professor Eyo Ekpe, for reasons yet to be made public.
Some of the operatives were said to be masked, while others wore EFCC insignia, creating tension within the hospital environment.
Witnesses further allege that gunshots were fired and tear gas canisters discharged during the operation, causing panic among patients, visitors and medical personnel.
The ensuing confusion forced many to flee for safety, with reports of injuries and concerns over the health risks posed to vulnerable patients within the facility.
Efforts by AIT.live to reach UUTH Chief Medical Director, Professor EmemAbasi Bassey, proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not responded to.
However, EFCC Head Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale in a statement said that the Commission’s operatives were at the hospital to authenticate the medical report presented by a suspect but met a brick wall by the hospital management who refused to cooperate but rather locked in its operatives and raised an alarm leading to its operatives being harassed and pelted with stones by staff of the hospital.
Oyewale added that its operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their way out of the facility without disrupting its activities.
Meanwhile, health sector unions, the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA and Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU in the hospital have condemned the incident, describing it as disruptive and unsafe, and have reportedly directed their members to embark on an indefinite strike.
The situation has raised serious concerns about safety within healthcare facilities and the potential impact on patient care.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
