Angry Badagry Residents Set Immigration Checkpoint Ablaze After Officer Fires Bullet Hitting Innocent Woman

 

Fury gripped the Igbogbele community in Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, after a Nigeria Immigration Service officer allegedly fired a stray bullet that struck a woman inside her home. The victim, identified as Hunsu Elizabeth, sustained a severe arm injury that shattered her bone, prompting her immediate transfer to Badagry General Hospital for urgent medical attention.

Eyewitnesses reported that tensions escalated when immigration officers arrived in two Toyota Hilux vans and positioned themselves near a local bridge. Residents quickly took notice, and one approached the officers, questioning their purpose and insisting that the local council chairman be informed before any operation proceeded. The encounter reportedly provoked anger among the officers, particularly the team leader, who allegedly recognised the resident as an 'honourable' with whom he had a previous disagreement.

A confrontation followed, culminating in the attempted arrest of the resident. Fleeing in fear, he was pursued by the officers, one of whom reportedly brandished a cane. Chaos erupted moments later when a gunshot rang out, missing its intended target and instead passing through a nearby wall to hit Ms. Elizabeth as she rested in her room.

Footage circulating on social media captured residents rushing to assist the injured woman while confronting the officers, preventing their escape. Thick flames were later seen consuming the immigration checkpoint as anger boiled over. Voices in the videos condemned the officers’ actions, with residents demanding accountability for the harm caused.

Reacting to the incident, Sesi Whingan, member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency, expressed deep concern over the shooting. He highlighted the repeated risk faced by civilians in the area due to the high concentration of checkpoints and the aggressive conduct of some security personnel along the Badagry–Owode–Seme corridor. Whingan urged calm, restraint, and law-abiding behavior from residents while promising that his office would engage the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Customs Service leadership to enforce accountability and safety reforms.

He condemned any form of reckless or excessive force, stressing that such actions not only endanger citizens but also undermine public trust in security agencies. Whingan called for disciplined, professional conduct that prioritises human life, while offering heartfelt sympathy to the victim, her family, and the wider community affected by the incident.

Community leaders and residents alike condemned the reckless shooting and the resulting destruction, emphasizing that Badagry has a long-standing reputation for peace and unity. They insisted that the unacceptable actions of a few individuals should not tarnish the collective identity or disrupt the social harmony of the area.

Authorities are expected to investigate the matter thoroughly, with both the Nigeria Immigration Service and local officials under pressure to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The event has reignited calls for safer operational procedures by security personnel to protect civilians while maintaining law enforcement duties.