By Our Correspondent

National News – Presidential aspirant Peter Obi has condemned the raid carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, describing the use of teargas within the hospital premises as reckless and dangerous.

Obi said the operation endangered patients, doctors, nurses, and other health workers receiving or delivering critical medical care.

The incident happened on Tuesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the teaching hospital to verify a medical report linked to a fraud suspect standing trial at the Federal High Court.

The situation later turned violent, with reports of teargas and gunfire causing panic among staff and patients inside the hospital environment.

According to the hospital management, four staff members, including cardiothoracic surgeon Professor Effiong Ekpe, were arrested during the operation.

Several workers were also injured, while doctors at the hospital began an indefinite strike in protest against the incident.

The Chief Medical Director, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, alleged that the EFCC operatives arrived without official notice, identification, or a warrant before entering the facility.

Reacting to the development, Obi said security agencies must operate within the rule of law and avoid actions capable of threatening lives in sensitive locations like hospitals.

He stressed that Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system should not be exposed to unnecessary disruption, especially as the country has a limited number of cardiothoracic surgeons serving millions of citizens.

The EFCC, however, denied claims that its officials invaded the hospital unlawfully, insisting the officers were carrying out an official assignment.

Meanwhile, medical associations at the hospital have demanded disciplinary action, compensation for injured workers, and public apologies before suspending their ongoing strike.