Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has narrated a terrifying ordeal in which armed robbers allegedly stormed a hotel housing cast and crew members of Omo Ghetto Part Two during filming in Ebute Metta, Lagos, an incident she said nearly claimed lives.
Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Thomas revealed that the attackers appeared to be targeting filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele, linking the incident to earlier tensions between the production team and local hoodlums.
According to Thomas, filming Omo Ghetto Part Two, a movie centred on street life and gang culture, attracted frequent harassment from hoodlums in the area.
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“We were shooting in Ebute Metta, and boys would constantly disrupt the set because the film reflected their everyday reality,” she said.
Although she grew up in the neighbourhood, Thomas said familiarity offered no protection, forcing the production to increase security.
“It’s my area. I thought they would respect me, but we still had to bring in security so we could work,” she added.
The actress explained that the attack occurred late at night after filming had ended. While cast members were lodged in different hotels, she said she had initially stayed elsewhere before Akindele insisted she join her.
“Funke insisted I join her. She suggested we do a massage like we usually do after work,” Thomas said, noting that Eniola Badmus stayed in another hotel.
She recalled that shortly before 1:00 am, loud banging and shouts of “Ole! Ole!” echoed through the building.
“We were terrified. Funke is very prayerful, so we all started praying,” she said.
Believing Akindele was the main target, Thomas said efforts were made to hide her.
“We tried hiding her under the bed, but it didn’t work, so we moved her into the bathroom,” she explained.
Despite their efforts, the attackers later forced their way inside.
“When they came back, it was obvious they were searching for Funke. They were calling her name,” Thomas recounted.
Akindele eventually came out of hiding and was dragged downstairs.
“They asked her to dress up and took her to her car. I thought they would just collect valuables and leave,” Thomas said.
She described the moment as surreal, adding that the attackers ordered Akindele to sing and dance to Emi Omo Ghetto, which she did.
Thomas further disclosed that while only six armed men entered the hotel, many more were positioned outside.
Emergency calls were made to influential figures, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, while officers from Panti Police Station later arrived. Gunshots were reportedly fired as security operatives confronted the attackers, forcing them to flee.
“It was total chaos. Someone was shot, a pastor was rushed to the hospital, and about 20 to 30 of us were stranded at the reception, confused and scared,” she said.
Months later, Thomas said she learnt that some of the attackers were arrested, while others were reportedly killed.
She traced the incident to an earlier clash on set, where hoodlums who disrupted filming were arrested and made to record apology videos.
“Even though we settled the area before filming, that incident offended them deeply,” she said.
Describing the experience as traumatic, Thomas said it left a lasting emotional impact.
“We are truly grateful to God,” she added.
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