Community Reacts to Shooting Incident Involving Immigration Officers
Tension erupted in the Igbogbele community, located within the Badagry West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, following a tragic incident where a middle-aged woman was allegedly shot by a stray bullet fired by an officer from the Nigeria Immigration Service. The victim, identified as Hunsu Elizabeth, sustained injuries that sparked widespread outrage among residents.
The incident occurred on Friday, and in response to the shooting, some local youths set the immigration checkpoint ablaze. This act of anger reflected the deep frustration felt by the community over what they perceived as reckless behavior by security personnel.
According to reports from CityMood Badagry, a social media platform that highlights local activities, the event caused significant distress among residents. They accused the officers of acting recklessly and failing to uphold their duty to protect the public.
Videos obtained by PUNCH Metro showed thick flames engulfing the immigration checkpoint, with residents expressing their anger and demanding justice. In one clip, thick smoke and fire were visible, while others captured chaotic scenes as people rushed to assist the injured woman. She was reportedly hit in the arm, and several individuals tried to stop the officers from fleeing the scene.
In another video, at least seven armed immigration personnel were seen confronting 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 stay 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 displayed her grimacing in pain on a hospital bed.
Political Response and Calls for Accountability
Reacting to the incident, Sesi Whingan, the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, condemned the shooting and called for restraint among residents. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Whingan expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred 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 said.
Whingan 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. He highlighted the high concentration of checkpoints and the recurring cases of officers chasing civilians into busy communities and marketplaces, which continue to put innocent lives at risk.
“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 emphasized that his office would engage the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Customs Service to ensure accountability and reforms that prioritize public safety.
He added, “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.”
Ongoing Demands for Justice
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 a report published by PUNCH Metro 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.