Former Labour Party presidential candidate says hospital raid endangered innocent patients and medical workers
The controversy surrounding the recent operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital has taken a fresh political dimension after Peter Obi strongly condemned the agency’s conduct, describing it as “thoughtless” and dangerously unprofessional.
The former presidential candidate reacted after reports emerged that EFCC operatives allegedly used teargas during an operation inside the teaching hospital in Uyo, triggering panic among staff, patients, and relatives. Medical workers reportedly protested the incident, while outrage spread across social media over claims that hospital activities were disrupted during the operation.
Peter Obi, known for his frequent comments on governance and public accountability, warned that security operations within sensitive institutions like hospitals must be handled with extreme caution. According to him, deploying force in an environment filled with critically ill patients could have led to avoidable deaths and medical emergencies.
The EFCC, however, defended its operatives, explaining that officials only visited the hospital to verify a medical report connected to an ongoing fraud investigation involving a suspect facing prosecution before a Federal High Court in Uyo. The anti-graft agency denied wrongdoing and insisted the operation was lawful.
Despite the explanation, the incident has continued to spark heated debate online, with many Nigerians questioning the increasing tension between security agencies and public institutions. Critics argue that hospitals should remain protected spaces where aggressive enforcement tactics are avoided except under extreme circumstances.
The development has now added another layer to ongoing national conversations about human rights, abuse of authority, and professionalism among law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, as pressure mounts on authorities to fully clarify what transpired inside the hospital premises.