The EFCC raid at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital has continued to generate outrage across Nigeria after armed operatives reportedly stormed the hospital premises in Akwa Ibom State, causing panic among patients, doctors and visitors.

The controversial operation reportedly took place at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, where operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission allegedly arrived in large numbers during working hours.

Eyewitnesses claimed the officers attempted to arrest Professor Effiong Ekpe, a senior cardiothoracic surgeon and top official of the hospital. However, the situation allegedly turned chaotic after medical workers resisted the move.

Several reports stated that patients and hospital staff fled in fear as confusion spread across different departments within the hospital. Some witnesses also alleged that gunshots and tear gas created tension inside the medical facility.

Consequently, normal medical activities suffered serious disruption as frightened patients reportedly abandoned treatment areas for safety.

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The EFCC raid at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital immediately triggered condemnation from several medical associations across the country. The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria alongside the Association of Resident Doctors criticized the operation and described it as an abuse of power.

The groups accused the operatives of using excessive force within a sensitive healthcare environment. They also warned that such actions could endanger lives and disrupt emergency medical services.

Meanwhile, health workers reportedly vacated parts of the hospital following fears over staff safety. The action further affected healthcare delivery inside the institution.

In response, the EFCC defended the operation. The anti-graft agency explained that its officials visited the hospital in connection with an ongoing investigation involving medical documentation linked to a fraud case.

According to the commission, officers had previously contacted the hospital management before the operation. However, many Nigerians questioned why such an operation happened inside a busy teaching hospital filled with vulnerable patients.

Social media users also reacted strongly after videos linked to the incident surfaced online. Many Nigerians described the operation as unnecessary and dangerous.

Observers have now raised concerns over growing security-related disruptions inside public healthcare institutions. They warned that aggressive operations inside hospitals could discourage patients from seeking urgent medical attention.

As reactions continue nationwide, Nigerians now await further explanations from both the EFCC and the management of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.