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The Nigerian Medical Association in Gombe State has condemned the alleged harassment, intimidation, and assault of medical personnel at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The association described the incident as a serious violation of the dignity and safety of healthcare workers carrying out their duties within a hospital environment. 
The controversy followed a recent EFCC operation at UUTH during which Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, alongside other hospital staff, was reportedly arrested or harassed while on duty. Videos from the incident showed panic within the hospital after tear gas was allegedly fired, forcing patients, staff, and visitors to flee for safety. 
In a statement issued after a State Officers Committee meeting led by Gombe NMA Chairman Dr. Ahmad-Adamu Girbo, the association warned that security agencies must not conduct operations in ways that disrupt medical services or endanger lives. The association called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident and demanded accountability for any officers found responsible for misconduct. 
The EFCC, however, defended its operation, saying its operatives visited the hospital to authenticate a medical report submitted by a fraud suspect facing prosecution over alleged financial crimes involving microfinance banks. The anti-graft agency claimed earlier letters sent to the hospital requesting verification received no response, making the visit necessary. 
The incident has sparked nationwide reactions from medical associations and civil society groups. The NMA in Akwa Ibom had earlier threatened legal action against the EFCC and demanded ₦1 billion in damages, while other state branches including Edo and Gombe expressed solidarity with affected healthcare workers and called for stronger protection of hospital environments from security-related disruptions. 
