|By Queen Banigo
Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has narrated a chilling ordeal in which armed robbers allegedly invaded a hotel housing cast and crew of Omo Ghetto Part Two during filming in Ebute Metta, Lagos, an attack she said nearly turned fatal.
Thomas, who played Nikky in the blockbuster film, disclosed that the assailants appeared to be hunting for filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele. She linked the attack to earlier clashes between the production team and local hoodlums during filming.
Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo published on Saturday, Thomas said the movie’s street-life theme drew constant harassment from area boys who felt represented by the story.
According to her, repeated disruptions forced the crew to tighten security, even though she was familiar with the neighbourhood.
The incident, she said, unfolded shortly before 1:00 a.m., hours after filming had ended. While cast members were lodged in different hotels, Thomas explained that Akindele insisted she stay over with her that night.
She recalled that panic erupted when loud banging and shouts of “Ole! Ole!” rang through the hotel, signalling an ongoing attack.
As fear spread, the group began praying. Convinced Akindele was the main target, Thomas said they tried to conceal her, first under a bed and later inside the bathroom, where she hid beneath her gown.
Despite failing to gain entry initially, the attackers later forced their way into the hotel, allegedly calling out Akindele’s name as they searched.
Thomas said Akindele eventually emerged, believing the men would only take valuables. Instead, she was reportedly ordered to dress up and dragged downstairs to her car.
In a surreal twist, Thomas said the attackers commanded Akindele to sing and dance to Emi Omo Ghetto, which she did.
She revealed that although only six armed men entered the hotel, about 20 others were stationed outside, leaving the victims completely overwhelmed.
Distress calls were made to influential figures, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly mobilised assistance. Police officers from Panti later arrived, exchanged gunfire with the attackers, and forced them to flee.
Thomas described the aftermath as chaotic, saying one person was shot, a pastor was rushed to hospital, and dozens of traumatised guests were left stranded at the reception.
Months later, she said she learned that several of the attackers had been arrested, while others were reportedly killed.
Tracing the incident to an earlier confrontation on set, Thomas said some hoodlums who disrupted filming were arrested and compelled to record apology videos, an action she believes fuelled the revenge attack.
She described the experience as cruel and emotionally scarring, adding that she refused to hand Akindele over because she believed death would have come for all of them.
Despite the trauma, Thomas said the cast and crew remain grateful to have survived the night.
