A medical doctor at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) has alleged that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) assaulted hospital workers and forcibly dragged him into a vehicle during a controversial operation that continues to generate reactions within the medical community.
Incident at Hospital Premises
The incident, which reportedly occurred within the hospital premises, has intensified tensions between healthcare workers and the anti-graft agency. Medical personnel accuse the operatives of disrupting activities in a sensitive healthcare environment. According to the doctor, the EFCC operatives stormed the hospital during an operation linked to an ongoing investigation and allegedly handled staff members aggressively while attempting to carry out an arrest.
The situation created panic within parts of the hospital, with healthcare workers and patients reportedly thrown into confusion during the operation. The doctor further alleged that he was physically manhandled and dragged into an EFCC vehicle despite attempts to explain his role within the hospital. He described the incident as humiliating and traumatic, particularly within a professional medical setting.
Outrage Among Medical Practitioners
The development has triggered outrage among medical practitioners in Akwa Ibom State, with several health workers expressing concern over what they described as intimidation and excessive conduct by law enforcement operatives inside a healthcare institution. Medical stakeholders argue that while security agencies have the right to conduct lawful investigations, such operations should be carried out with restraint and proper coordination to avoid disrupting medical services and endangering patients.
Broader Implications
The incident has also reignited broader conversations about the relationship between security agencies and healthcare institutions, especially regarding the conduct of investigations within hospitals and other critical public facilities. Meanwhile, the EFCC has maintained that its operatives acted within the scope of the law during the operation, insisting that the agency remains committed to carrying out its duties professionally and in accordance with legal procedures.
The controversy has continued to draw reactions from professional bodies and civil society groups, many of whom are calling for a transparent review of the incident to establish accountability and prevent future confrontations. Further developments are expected as both the medical community and the anti-graft agency continue to respond to the allegations surrounding the operation at the teaching hospital.
