The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has declared an immediate and indefinite strike following the alleged assault, arrest and detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other staff members of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The decision was reached during an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) held virtually on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, the association condemned what it described as a violent invasion of the hospital environment by EFCC operatives.
The NMA alleged that Professor Eyo Ekpe, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) at UUTH and is also a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, was apprehended within the hospital premises by masked EFCC operatives.
The association claimed the operatives physically assaulted and severely beat him to the point of bleeding before handcuffing and taking him into custody alongside other doctors and hospital staff who reportedly attempted to intervene.
Congress further alleged that gunshots were fired within the hospital environment during the incident, while phones belonging to individuals recording the scene were confiscated.
The association described the incident as “barbaric, degrading, inhumane” and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.
According to the communiqué, the Chairman of the NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch, Professor Aniekan Imo Peter, was also shoved and exposed to tear gas while seeking clarification from the operatives.
The association stated that no formal invitation had been extended to Professor Ekpe or the leadership of the NMA before the incident.
The NMA further alleged that there had been recurring cases of harassment and assault of medical professionals by security agencies within Akwa Ibom State.
Following deliberations, Congress resolved to strongly condemn the invasion of UUTH and the alleged assault on Professor Ekpe, doctors and hospital staff.
The association also directed that a press conference be convened immediately involving state and national media to formally condemn the incident and publicise the resolutions reached at the meeting.
As part of its resolutions, the NMA announced the commencement of an immediate total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across Akwa Ibom State.
The association demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Ekpe, detained NMA members and affected UUTH staff.
It also demanded a public apology from the EFCC to Professor Ekpe, the NMA chairman and the entire medical community in Akwa Ibom State.
In addition, the association called for the identification and prosecution of all EFCC officers allegedly involved in the raid and assault at UUTH.
The NMA stated that no dialogue or negotiation would be entertained with any government agency or authority until all detained persons were released.
The association further resolved to institute legal action against the EFCC, demanding damages in the sum of N1 billion for what it described as physical, emotional, professional and institutional damage caused by the incident.
The NMA reiterated that hospitals are sacred environments meant for the preservation of life and should never be subjected to violent invasions by security agencies.
According to the association, the action taken would serve as a deterrent against future harassment, intimidation or assault of medical practitioners by security agencies.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity and safety of all its members.
