By Muhammad Amaan
The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has condemned the assault, brutalisation and unlawful detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other medical personnel by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State.
The association further declared that it will no longer tolerate any form of harassment, intimidation or victimisation of its members by law enforcement agencies.
In a statement issued to newsmen and and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Dr Taiwo Alatishe, the association described the incident as a “dehumanising and barbaric display of power” carried out within a hospital environment where healthcare workers were attending to patients.
MDCAN stated that the incident, which involved Professor Eyo Ekpe of the Department of Chemical Pathology, UUTH, represented a flagrant disregard for professional sanctity and human dignity.
The association asserted that hospitals should remain safe spaces dedicated to the preservation of life and free from intimidation by security agencies.
“The National Officers Committee of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, under the leadership of Prof. Appolos Chidi Ndukuba, expresses its profound indignation and grave concern regarding the reported assault, brutalisation, and unlawful detention of Professor Eyo Ekpe (DCMAC, UUTH) and several of our colleagues by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State.
“MDCAN, representing the highest echelon of medical expertise in Nigeria, condemns in the strongest possible terms this dehumanising and barbaric display of power. It is particularly distressing that this incident occurred within the sacred precincts of a hospital, an environment dedicated to the preservation of human life, while our members were actively engaged in their clinical duties,” part of the statement read.
The association warned that such actions not only traumatise healthcare workers but could also endanger the lives of patients receiving care.
“The hospital is a sanctuary for the sick and a professional workspace for lifesavers; it must remain safe, conducive, and free from state-sponsored intimidation.”
MDCAN disclosed that it was collaborating with its UUTH chapter to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and was also engaging relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.
It demanded the immediate investigation and prosecution of the EFCC operatives allegedly involved in the incident.
“Let it be known that MDCAN shall no longer tolerate any form of harassment, intimidation, or victimisation of its members by law enforcement agencies,” the statement added.
While urging its members to remain law-abiding and professional in carrying out their duties, MDCAN encouraged them to remain vigilant and promptly report any acts of aggression.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and security of its members.
It was earlier reported that EFCC operatives assaulted members of staff of the UUTH during an investigation involving the authentication of a medical report.
Four staff members, including the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof Effiong Ekpe, were arrested during the operation.
Witnesses alleged that the operatives arrived on the hospital premises in the afternoon to arrest a staff member, but resistance from workers led to tension.
Following the assault, the Akwa Ibom branch of the NMA declared an indefinite and total strike.
The National body of the NMA also condemned the assault and called for the prosecution of the officials involved.
