Doctors at the University of Uyo teaching hospital begin indefinite strike after EFCC raid

Doctors and health workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, have gone on an indefinite strike following a clash involving workers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The strike was declared after tensions reportedly escalated when EFCC operatives arrived at the hospital on Tuesday to make an arrest linked to an ongoing court case.

The clash at the hospital sparks unrest among the staff

Eyewitness accounts said the operation led to resistance from hospital staff, prompting reinforcements by EFCC operatives, with reports of gunshots fired into the air to disperse the crowd.

Some staff were reportedly injured during the incident, while hospital property, including phones, was damaged during attempts to film the scene.

Health workers stopped services in protest

Following the incident, medical unions in Akwa Ibom State, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Joint Health Sector Unions, ordered the immediate closure of services in hospitals in the state.

NMA officials described the operation as heavy-handed and called for justice, claiming that senior medical staff were assaulted and detained during the encounter.

Authorities provide conflicting accounts

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the officers were involved in a lawful operation in connection with a court order, adding that they coordinated with relevant authorities to verify the operation.

The EFCC, however, maintained that its actions were lawful and necessary amid an ongoing investigation.

The situation has led to a complete disruption of medical services in the hospital as tensions between healthcare workers and security agencies continue.