Tension broke out in the Igbogbele community of Badagry West, Lagos State, after a stray bullet reportedly fired by a Nigeria Immigration Service officer struck a woman identified as Hunsu Elizabeth.
The incident, which happened on Friday, immediately triggered outrage among residents. In anger, some youths set the immigration checkpoint in the area on fire.
According to CityMood Badagry, a local social media platform that reports activities in the community, residents accused the immigration officers of reckless gun handling. Several videos shared online showed flames rising from the burnt checkpoint as angry residents confronted the officers.
Although the exact cause of the shooting is still unclear, other videos captured the chaotic moments after the bullet hit the woman. She was said to have been shot in the arm while inside her home. Residents were seen rushing to assist her, while others blocked immigration officers from leaving the scene.
In one of the recordings, at least seven armed officers were being challenged by furious youths. A woman could be heard shouting, “You’ve shot the lady! Don’t go anywhere!” Another man added, “Look at what you’ve caused. She’s wounded. You can’t leave!”
As the officers attempted to enter their patrol van, the crowd grew more agitated, insisting they remain until authorities arrived.
Additional video clips showed the victim being taken on a motorcycle for medical treatment. Another clip showed her in a hospital bed, visibly in pain.
Reacting to the incident, the lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Sesi Whingan, condemned the shooting and urged residents to remain calm. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, he expressed concern over the frequent clashes between security agencies and residents along the Badagry–Owode–Seme corridor.
He said, “I am deeply troubled by the incident at Igbogbele where a Nigeria Immigration Service officer allegedly fired a shot that injured Hunsu Elizabeth inside her home. We thank God her life was spared, and I pray for her quick recovery.”
Whingan noted that the community had suffered repeated cases of danger and harassment from security personnel operating numerous checkpoints along the border route. He stressed that such reckless behaviour puts innocent lives at risk and must stop.
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He added that his office would engage the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure accountability and reforms that prioritise public safety and professionalism.
“I appeal to our people to remain peaceful and law-abiding,” he said. “We must not allow the actions of a few to destroy the peace of Badagry.”
As of the time of this report, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, had not responded to calls or messages requesting comments.
The shooting adds to growing concerns about security operations in border communities. In September, a similar incident caused unrest after customs officers allegedly knocked down and killed a primary school pupil while chasing suspected smugglers in the Itakoji area of Ogun State.
