Panic broke out in the Igbogbele community of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, after a stray bullet allegedly fired by an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service struck a woman identified as Hunsu Elizabeth.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, sparked outrage among residents, leading angry youths to set the immigration checkpoint in the area ablaze.
According to reports from CityMood Badagry, a local media platform, residents accused immigration officers of recklessness and demanded justice for the victim.
One of several videos obtained by PUNCH Metro on Monday showed thick flames consuming the checkpoint while residents voiced their anger. Other clips captured chaotic scenes as locals rushed to assist the injured woman, who was reportedly shot in the arm, while some tried to stop the officers from fleeing the area.
In one video, at least seven armed immigration officers were confronted by furious residents. A woman 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 leave in their patrol van, the crowd grew louder, demanding that they remain at the scene.
Additional footage shared by Badagry Talks Online TV showed the victim being transported on a motorcycle to receive medical care. Another video posted by CityMood Badagry showed her in visible pain while receiving treatment at a hospital.
Reacting to the incident, the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Sesi Whingan, condemned the shooting and called for calm among residents.
In a statement released 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.”
Describing the situation as “deeply troubling,” Whingan noted that it was not the first time residents of Badagry had experienced danger and harassment from security personnel operating 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 the use of excessive force and other forms of misconduct by security officers, stressing that such behaviour “undermines public trust and endangers the very citizens they are meant to safeguard.”
He further disclosed plans to engage the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Customs Service to demand accountability and reforms prioritising public safety.
“We shall continue to follow up to ensure that these agencies operate with discipline, professionalism, and respect for human lives,” he said. “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,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, had not responded to calls or messages seeking comment.
Residents continue to demand justice for the shooting, which adds to a growing list of security-related incidents in border communities.
In September, PUNCH Metro reported that some customs officers allegedly ran over and killed a primary school pupil while pursuing suspected smugglers in the Itakoji area of Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State — an incident that also triggered violent protests.
