Tension flared in the Igbogbele community, Badagry West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, after a middle-aged woman, identified as Hunsu Elizabeth, was reportedly struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The incident, which occurred on Friday, triggered outrage among residents and led to the burning of the immigration checkpoint in the area.
According to a report by CityMood Badagry, a social media platform focused on community news, locals accused the officers of carelessness and highhandedness.
In videos obtained by PUNCH Metro on Monday, thick flames were seen engulfing the immigration post as angry residents protested. Other clips captured chaotic scenes of residents rushing to rescue the injured woman, said to have been hit in the arm, while others confronted the armed officers attempting to flee.
In one of the videos, a woman was heard shouting, “You have shot the lady! Don’t go! They have shot her in the arm. You’re not supposed to shoot!”
Another man added, “You can’t go. You can see what you’ve caused. The gunshot has wounded her!”
As the officers tried to drive off in their patrol vehicle, the crowd grew more agitated, demanding that they remain at the scene. Footage shared by Badagry Talks Online TV showed residents helping the victim onto a motorcycle to get medical attention, while another video posted by CityMood Badagry showed her in visible pain on a hospital bed.
Reacting to the development, the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Sesi Whingan, condemned the shooting and urged residents to remain calm.
In a statement 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 Badagry residents had faced harassment or danger from security operatives stationed along the Badagry–Owode–Seme corridor.
According to him, “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.”
Whingan decried the use of excessive force by security agencies, stressing that such actions “undermine public trust and endanger the very citizens they are meant to safeguard.”
He assured that his office would liaise with the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure accountability and reforms that prioritise the safety of residents.
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 of filing this report, calls and messages sent to the spokesperson of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, were not returned.
Residents have continued to call for justice, describing the shooting as another addition to the growing list of security incidents in border communities.
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