The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom state has declared an indefinite strike in response to allegations that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives assaulted, arrested, and detained medical professionals at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

According to Channels Television, the association said this in a communiqué issued following the end of its emergency virtual congress on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, there was panic at UUTH after EFCC officials invaded the facility in two saloon vehicles and a tinted bus, some wearing masks and others wearing EFCC-branded jackets.

Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgery professor and deputy chair of the hospital’s medical advisory council, was reportedly arrested during the operation.

Videos circulating online showed workers, patients and visitors scampering for safety within the hospital premises after teargas canisters were shot.

However, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s head of media and publicity, defended the operation, saying that the operatives only went to the hospital to verify a medical report presented by a suspect who has been remanded on charges of defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

According to Oyewale, the officers were attacked with stones while conducting authorized investigations on a medical report.

In a communiqué issued by Aniekan Peter, chairman, and Ighorodje Edesiri, secretary, the NMA declared the immediate and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across the state, emphasizing that no dialogue would be considered until all detained members were released.

The association criticized what it described as an invasion of the hospital and requested Ekpe’s immediate release, along with the other detained staff.

The NMA said that Ekpe was physically assaulted, handcuffed, and forcibly carried away by masked officers within the hospital premises.

The association claimed that gunshots were fired during the incident, and phones belonging to persons who were recording the event were taken.

It described the scenario as “barbaric” and a violation of the hospital’s sanctity.

The NMA further alleged that its state chairman was shoved and exposed to teargas while attempting to seek clarification from the operatives.

The association demanded a public apology from the EFCC, the prosecution of officers involved in the operation, vowing to institute legal action against the commission, while seeking N1 billion in damages if its conditions are not met.