Nollywood actress, Bimbo Thomas, has recounted a harrowing experience in which armed thugs suspected to be robbers stormed a hotel accommodating cast and crew of Omo Ghetto Part 2 during filming in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
Thomas, who portrayed Nikky in the blockbuster film that launched her into fame, revealed that the attackers appeared to be targeting filmmaker and lead actress, Funke Akindele.
She linked the incident to an earlier clash between hoodlums and the production crew.
Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, published on Saturday, Thomas explained that filming the movie, which centred on street life and gang culture, attracted frequent harassment from local hoodlums.
“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 did not shield the crew from interference, making it necessary to increase security presence on set.
“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 attack, she said, happened late at night after filming had wrapped up.
Cast members were lodged in different hotels in the area. Thomas said she had initially stayed elsewhere until Akindele invited her over.
“Funke insisted I join her. She suggested we do a massage like we usually do after work,” she said, adding that Eniola Badmus stayed in another hotel.
According to Thomas, the incident began shortly before 1:00 am.
“We suddenly heard loud banging and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole!’,” she recalled.
Realising the hotel was under attack, panic spread among the lodgers.
“We were terrified. Funke is very prayerful, so we all started praying,” she said.
Fearing Akindele was the main target, Thomas said they attempted to hide her.
“I told them she was the face everyone knew. We tried hiding her under the bed, but it didn’t work, so we moved her into the bathroom,” she explained.
Akindele hid beneath her gown while the others knelt in fear.
“The masseuse was praying in tongues, Funke was praying in tongues, and I was just pleading with God for mercy,” Thomas said.
Although the attackers initially failed to break in, they later returned and forced their way inside.
“When they came back, it was obvious they were searching for Funke. They were calling her name,” she said.
Akindele eventually came out of hiding.
“I thought they would just collect valuables and leave, but instead they asked her to dress up and dragged her downstairs to her car,” Thomas recounted.
What followed, she said, was shocking.
“I heard Funke singing Emi Omo Ghetto. I didn’t understand what was happening. They ordered her to sing and dance, and she did,” she said.
Thomas disclosed that while only six armed men entered the hotel, about 20 others were positioned outside.
“We had no idea they were that many. We were completely helpless,” she said.
Emergency calls were made to prominent individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly mobilised help.
Officers from Panti Police Station later arrived, and gunshots were heard as security forces 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, scared, and praying,” she said.
Thomas revealed that months later, she learned several of the attackers had been arrested, while others were reportedly killed.
“I was grateful. At that moment, I was ready to attack one of them without thinking. I could have been killed,” she said.
She traced the attack to an earlier incident on set, where some 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 explained.
Describing the experience as cruel and heartless, Thomas said it left a lasting emotional impact.
“When Funke later asked why I didn’t hand her over, I told her if they were going to kill her, they would have killed all of us together,” she said.
“We are grateful to God truly grateful,” she added.
