Tension in Lagos as mob burns immigration checkpoint after stray bullet hit woman

•The victim, Hunsu Elizabeth

 

Tension erupted in the Igbogbele community, Badagry West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, after a stray bullet allegedly fired by an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service hit a middle-aged woman identified as Hunsu Elizabeth.

 

It was learnt that the incident occurred on Friday, and in anger, some youths in the area set the immigration checkpoint on fire, reports The PUNCH.

 

According to a report by CityMood Badagry, a social media platform that highlights activities in the area, the incident sparked outrage among residents, who accused the officers of recklessness.

 

One of several videos obtained by our correspondent yesterday showed thick flames engulfing the immigration checkpoint, as residents vented their anger.

 

While the exact cause of the shooting remains unclear, other clips captured chaotic scenes as residents rushed to help the injured woman, said to have been hit in the arm, while others tried to prevent the officers from fleeing.

 

In one of the videos, at least seven armed immigration personnel were seen being confronted by angry residents.

 

A woman’s voice could be heard shouting, “You have shot the lady! Don’t go! They have shot her in the arm. You’re not supposed to shoot!”

 

Another male resident added, “You can’t go. You can see what you’ve caused. The gunshot has wounded her!”

 

As the officers attempted to board their patrol van and leave, the crowd grew louder, demanding they remain at the scene.

 

Additional footage shared by Badagry Talks Online TV showed the victim being helped onto a motorcycle to seek medical attention, while another video on CityMood Badagry showed her grimacing in pain on a hospital bed.

 

Reacting to the incident, the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Sesi Whingan, condemned the shooting and called for restraint among residents.

 

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Whingan said, “I received with deep concern the distressing incident that occurred today (Friday) at Igbogbele, where an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service reportedly fired a shot that struck Hunsu Elizabeth while she was inside her home.

 

“We are grateful that her life was spared, and I pray for her swift and complete recovery. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her, her family, and everyone affected by the emotional shock this incident has caused.”

 

He described the situation as “deeply troubling,” noting that it was not the first time residents of Badagry had faced such danger and harassment from security personnel along the Badagry–Owode–Seme corridor.

 

“The high concentration of checkpoints, coupled with recurrent cases of officers chasing civilians into busy communities and marketplaces, has continued to put innocent lives at risk. This situation is unacceptable and must not continue,” he added.

 

Whingan condemned any form of reckless conduct or excessive force by security agencies, stressing that such actions “undermine public trust and endanger the very citizens they are meant to safeguard.”

 

He added that his office would engage the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Customs Service to ensure accountability and reforms that prioritise public safety.

 

He said, “We shall continue to follow up to ensure that these agencies operate with discipline, professionalism, and respect for human lives.

 

“I also appeal to our people to remain calm and law-abiding. Let us not take the law into our own hands or respond in ways that may escalate the situation.

 

“Badagry has always been a peaceful, resilient, and united community. We will not allow the unacceptable actions of a few individuals to define our collective identity or disturb our peace.”

 

As of the time this report was filed, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment.

 

As residents continue to demand justice for the shooting, this incident adds to a growing list of security-related incidents in border communities.

 

In an earlier report in September, some customs officers allegedly rammed a primary school pupil to death while chasing suspected smugglers in the Itakoji area of Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State, sparking another round of protests.