Panic In Uyo Teaching Hospital As EFCC Operation Disrupts Medical Services

Tension gripped the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) on Tuesday after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly stormed the facility in a raid that disrupted medical activities and triggered panic among patients and health workers.

The operation, which reportedly led to the arrest of a senior official of the hospital, caused confusion across several departments as workers and visitors fled the premises over fears for their safety.

Witnesses said the operatives arrived at the federal medical facility in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in multiple vehicles, including salon cars and a tinted bus, with some of the officials allegedly masked and others wearing EFCC jackets.

Those arrested during the operation reportedly included Professor Eyo Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee and a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon.

The exact reason for his arrest was not immediately disclosed.

Eyewitnesses claimed the atmosphere became chaotic after the operatives allegedly fired teargas during the operation, forcing patients, medical personnel and visitors to scamper for safety.

“The entire environment became rowdy. People started running in different directions when the operatives arrived. Some patients and workers were visibly terrified,” a witness said.

Some hospital sources also alleged that a few persons sustained minor injuries during the confusion, although this could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The incident reportedly affected activities in several wards and units within the hospital, with workers abandoning duty posts amid concerns over security.

Sources within the facility said labour unions quickly mobilised members to leave the hospital premises following the operation.

An internal notice issued by the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital branch of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives directed nurses to vacate the hospital environment pending the restoration of calm.

“Sequel to the security concern due to invasion of the hospital premises by EFCC officials this morning, all the nurses are hereby directed to leave the hospital environment until the security situation is calm,” the notice stated.

Officials of the Trade Union Congress and the Senior Staff Association were also reportedly seen moving through wards and offices advising workers to suspend activities and leave the premises temporarily.

The development sparked concerns over the welfare of patients, especially those receiving emergency treatment and other critical medical care at the tertiary institution.

Witnesses further alleged that some mobile phones were seized from individuals who attempted to record videos or take photographs during the operation.

As of Tuesday evening, the EFCC had yet to officially state the reason for the operation or the arrest of the senior medical official.

Similarly, the management of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital had not released any formal statement on the incident.

The development has continued to generate reactions among residents and health workers in Akwa Ibom State, with many expressing concern over the conduct of security operations within healthcare facilities and the possible impact on patient care.