The Nigerian Medical Association, Gombe State Branch, on Friday, condemned the alleged harassment, intimidation, and assault of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other staff members of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
On Tuesday, operatives of the EFCC stormed UUTH and arrested Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery, and some other staff.
Videos circulating online showed workers, patients and visitors scampering for safety within the hospital premises after teargas canisters were dispersed.
The incident sparked outrage on social media as many Nigerians criticised the officers of anti-graft agency for shooting teargas canisters at a medical facility.
However, the EFCC’s head of media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, defended the operation, saying the officers only visited the hospital to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect who has been remanded over allegations of defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.
The association described the incident as “unfortunate, unacceptable, and a serious violation of the dignity, safety, and professional integrity of healthcare personnel.”
The position was contained in a statement issued after a State Officers Committee meeting led by the Chairman of the NMA Gombe State Branch, Dr. Ahmad-Adamu Girbo.
