By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kwara branch has condemned the alleged assault and detention of Prof. 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association was reacting to reports that a Professor of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Ekpe, alongside other staff members of UUTH were allegedly assaulted by EFCC operatives.
NAN reports that the incident took place within UUTH premises on May 12th 2026.
The Chairman of Kwara-NMA, Prof. Abdulrahman Afolabi, who condemned the act in a Statement issued on Friday in Ilorin, stated that Kwara NMA stands in solidarity with UUTH.
He said: “The Association views the reported invasion of a healthcare facility, physical assault on medical personnel, alleged use of force within the hospital environment, and intimidation of healthcare workers as highly disturbing.
“This is unacceptable, and inconsistent with the sanctity and safety expected within healthcare institutions.
“We stand in firm solidarity with the NMA Akwa Ibom State Branch, Ekpe, the leadership of the Association in Akwa Ibom and all affected healthcare workers during this difficult period” .
The Association reiterates that hospitals are sacred places dedicated to the preservation of life and care of patients and should never be subjected to violence, intimidation, or disruption by any security agency under any circumstance.
Afolabi called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained medical personnel and hospital staff and thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident.
“There must be respect for the rights, dignity, and safety of healthcare workers across the country, and an end to all forms of harassment, intimidation, and assault on medical practitioners in the discharge of their lawful duties.
“We demand a formal public apology from the EFCC to the affected healthcare workers, the management of the UUTH and the medical profession for the unfortunate incident.
“The Association further urges all relevant authorities to ensure that due process, civility, and professionalism are always upheld in interactions involving healthcare institutions and personnel,” said Afolabi.
He stated that members remains committed to the protection of the welfare, dignity, and safety of all medical doctors and healthcare workers.
“We will continue to support lawful actions aimed at safeguarding the medical profession and healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.
