The management of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has denied the allegation that the Oodua nation agitators used its premises as armoury.
On Saturday, security operatives arrested 16 “gunmen” suspected to be members of a group identified as Oodua nation agitators for invading the Oyo state secretariat in Ibadan, the capital city.
A video of the police arresting some of the suspected agitators within the UCH premises went viral on Saturday.
In a statement on Tuesday, Funmi Adetuyibi, the hospital’s public relations officer, said the agitators encroached on the premises of the health institution from the Parliament road of the Oyo state secretariat in an attempt to escape from the security personnel after them.
Upon detection by our vigilant security personnel, the Chief Security Officer swiftly alerted the Yemetu Police Station, and the Yemetu Police Division promptly dispatched a detachment of personnel to arrest the situation,“ the statement reads.
“Upon the arrival of law enforcement agents, the individuals in question hastily discarded and left behind their camouflage attire, berets, and ammunition, and fled the scene.
“Apparently, two suspects were apprehended, while four escaped arrest.”
Adetuyibi said the hospital’s management stands firm in its commitment to healthcare provision, research, training, and clinical services.
“We categorically distance ourselves from any insinuation that our premises were utilised for unlawful activities,“ she said.
“UCH urges the public to exercise discretion and refrain from spreading baseless rumours that can tarnish the reputation of our esteemed institution.
“The management of the hospital wishes to reassure the public that operations within the hospital are running smoothly and without any interruption.
The safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors remain our top priority and are guaranteed.”