The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, has strongly condemned the alleged assault, brutalisation, and arrest of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other health personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Incident Details
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the association's Chairman in Edo State, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, the NMA described the incident as deeply disturbing, noting that it endangered patients who were scheduled to receive medical care. The association expressed grave concern over the desecration of the hospital environment, warning that such actions could disrupt critical healthcare services and put lives at risk.
Attack on Distinguished Surgeon
According to Dr. Oseghale, the association strongly condemned the reported physical attack on Professor Eyo Ekpe, a distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon, as well as the alleged harassment of doctors and other healthcare workers at the facility. He emphasised that this incident occurred at a time when Nigeria's healthcare sector is already under immense pressure due to the migration of medical professionals abroad.
Dr. Oseghale stated that it is unacceptable for healthcare workers, who are key to sustaining healthcare delivery, to face intimidation and assault while carrying out their duties. The Edo NMA declared its solidarity with the Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State Branch, over the development.
Call for Action
The association called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, ensure justice is served, and bring those responsible to account. It further urged authorities to end what it described as the harassment and intimidation of healthcare workers, stressing that hospitals should remain safe spaces dedicated to healing and patient care.
