Obi, others bash EFCC for using teargas at UNIYO teaching hospital
Obi, others bash EFCC for using teargas UNIYO teaching hospital
Ebun Emmanuel –May 15,2026
Many Nigerians, including Peter Obi, have condemned the alleged invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC operatives were said to have generously use teargas canisters on the hospital premises during the gestapo-like operation.
The incident, which allegedly occurred during an attempt to arrest Professor Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and deputy chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, has triggered widespread outrage across social media and among public commentators.
Many of those who reacted described the operation as reckless and inhumane.
In his reaction titled, ‘Teargas in a Hospital, a Thoughtless Act,’ Obi criticised the manner in which the anti-graft agency carried out the operation, warning that such conduct undermines the rule of law and public trust in government.
“Reportedly, the EFCC operatives who stormed the hospital shot some teargas canisters within the hospital premises which sent medical staff and patients running for safety. This thoughtless act greatly compromised the general safety in the hospital environment and further jeopardised the health of the medical personnel and the sick people in the hospital.”
The former Anambra State governor and the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, stressed that while anti-corruption agencies have constitutional responsibilities to carry out investigations and arrests, such duties must be discharged with professionalism and civility, especially in sensitive environments like hospitals.
He added, “Nothing justifies the use of teargas canisters in a fragile hospital environment. Do we not realise that our hospitals are part of our most critical contributors to development?”
Obi further lamented the implications of the incident on Nigeria’s already strained healthcare sector, noting reports that the country has only about 80 cardiothoracic surgeons serving a population of over 230 million people, with Professor Ekpe reportedly being the only specialist in that field in Akwa Ibom State.
He asked, “If a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery is arrested in such a demeaning manner in a hospital environment, what signals are we sending to other medical professionals working hard to keep our health sector afloat?”
On the social media, many contributors also condemned the EFCC action.
A social media user identified as Optimist Prime described the incident as “reckless endangerment of lives,” arguing that hospitals should remain protected spaces where patients receive care without fear or disruption.
“You do not bring chaos into a place where people are fighting for their lives,” the user wrote, adding that such heavy-handed tactics could worsen the brain drain already affecting Nigeria’s health sector.
Another commenter, Pharm Joel, faulted the alleged use of teargas in a hospital, saying Professor Ekpe could have been invited or arrested without causing panic among patients and staff.
“Using tear gas in a hospital is awfully wrong,” he stated, noting allegations of financial misconduct, if proven, should still be investigated through lawful procedures.
George Okeke, another writer, said hospitals, churches, mosques and schools should be treated with “utmost sanctity, dignity and respect”.
Others, however, noted that Obi had remained silent on previous security-related incidents in other parts of the country.
EFCC has, however, remained silent on what it used teargas at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. (Add info: The Revealer).
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