The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sparked widespread outrage following a dramatic operation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where anti-corruption operatives reportedly fired gunshots and deployed teargas within the medical facility. The raid, aimed at apprehending suspects on the premises, resulted in a total shutdown of hospital operations as patients and staff fled in terror.
According to eyewitnesses, EFCC officers arrived at the hospital in large numbers, leading to immediate pandemonium. The use of firearms and chemical irritants in a healthcare setting paralysed critical medical services, forcing doctors and nurses to abandon their posts to seek safety.
The situation took a more controversial turn when the EFCC team allegedly manhandled a senior official of the institution. Sources within the hospital claim that the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee was assaulted while attempting to mediate and protect vulnerable patients from the unfolding violence.
Medical professionals have strongly condemned the EFCC tactics, citing the extreme danger posed to patients. Key concerns raised by the healthcare community include the use of teargas in wards where patients with respiratory issues are treated, the violation of the hospital as a safe, neutral space for healing and the alleged physical assault of a top medical director during his official duties.
As of the time of this report, the EFCC has not issued an official statement regarding the specific nature of the investigation or the identity of the targets involved in the Uyo raid. Similarly, the management of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital has yet to provide a full brief on the extent of the disruption.
The facility remains partially closed as staff work to restore order and clean up the areas affected by the teargas. Meanwhile, civil society groups and medical associations are calling for a thorough investigation into the EFCC operation to ensure accountability for the breach of hospital safety protocols.
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