There was tension in the Igbogbele community of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, on Friday after a woman identified as Hunsu Elizabeth was hit by a stray bullet allegedly fired by an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The incident, which reportedly occurred during a routine operation, sparked outrage among residents, leading some angry youths to set the immigration checkpoint in the area ablaze.
Sources said the woman, believed to be in her middle age, was hit in the arm while at home.
Videos shared online showed residents confronting armed immigration officers, accusing them of carelessness and attempting to flee the scene after the shooting.
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!” as others tried to prevent the officers from escaping.
Another clip showed residents rushing the injured woman to the hospital on a motorcycle, while thick flames and smoke rose from the burnt checkpoint.
Reacting to the development, the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sesi Whingan, condemned the shooting, describing it as “deeply troubling.”
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 Mrs. 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 to her, her family, and everyone affected by the emotional shock this incident has caused.”
He decried what he described as the increasing cases of harassment and danger posed to residents by security operatives along the Badagry–Owode–Seme corridor, saying, “The high concentration of checkpoints, coupled with frequent pursuits of civilians into communities and marketplaces, continues to endanger innocent lives. This is unacceptable and must stop.”
The lawmaker also cautioned security agencies against excessive use of force, urging professionalism and respect for human rights.
“My office will engage the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure accountability and reforms that prioritise public safety,” he added.
Whingan appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that taking the law into their own hands could worsen the situation.
As of press time, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi, had yet to respond to calls and messages seeking the agency’s reaction.
The incident adds to a growing list of security-related controversies in border communities.
In September, a similar outrage followed the alleged killing of a school pupil by customs officers chasing suspected smugglers in the Itakoji area of Ipokia Local Government, Ogun State.