The Akwa Ibom State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the false and misleading narrative currently circulating on social media alleging that Policemen invaded the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), assaulted medical personnel, and used force against hospital staff.
A statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John on behalf of the state commissioner of police Baba Mohammad Azare said,for the avoidance of doubt, the operation in question was carried out solely by Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the course of a lawful assignment.
The Command considers it necessary to clearly state the facts as follows:
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital placed a distress call to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, reporting the presence of armed men within the hospital premises whose identities could not be immediately ascertained. The CMD further informed the CP that he had directed the closure of the hospital gates as a precautionary measure.
Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police promptly deployed Police personnel to the hospital strictly to assess the situation and prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.
On arrival, it was professionally confirmed that the Operatives involved were personnel of the EFCC carrying out a lawful operation. The CMD was immediately informed accordingly and advised to reopen the hospital gates to enable the EFCC personnel peacefully exit the premises.
However, the advice was reportedly not complied with, thereby escalating tension within the environment. The EFCC Operatives, who were allegedly held within the premises and pelted with stones, eventually forced open the gate in order to exit the hospital premises.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command states unequivocally that at no time did Police personnel participate in the operation, assault any hospital staff, deploy teargas, or engage in any form of brutality as falsely portrayed in the viral reports.
The Command strongly condemns the deliberate distortion of facts and the attempt to drag the Nigeria Police Force into an incident it neither initiated nor participated in. Such false narratives are capable of misleading the public, inciting unnecessary tension, and undermining public confidence.
Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the sensational and inaccurate reports linking the Police to the incident, as they are entirely false and devoid of factual basis.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, lawful policing, and the protection of lives and propertyacross the State.