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Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has recounted a terrifying experience in which armed robbers reportedly invaded a hotel housing the cast and crew of Omo Ghetto Part Two during filming in Ebute Metta, Lagos, an incident she claimed nearly cost lives.
Thomas, who played the role of Nikky in the blockbuster film that brought her into the public eye, disclosed that the assailants seemed to be targeting filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele.
She connected the incident to a previous confrontation between local hoodlums and the production team.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, published on Saturday, Thomas explained that shooting the movie, which focuses on street life and gang culture, often attracted harassment from nearby hoodlums.
“While we were filming in Ebute Metta, local boys would frequently disrupt the set because the film depicted their everyday lives,” she stated.
Despite having grown up in the area, Thomas noted that familiarity did not protect the crew from disruptions, leading to an increased security presence on set.
“It’s my neighborhood. I thought they would show me some respect, but we still had to hire security to ensure we could work,” she added.
The attack occurred late at night after filming had concluded.
Cast members were staying in various hotels in the vicinity. Thomas mentioned that she had initially checked into a different hotel until Akindele invited her to join her.
“Funke insisted that I come over. She suggested we get a massage as we usually do after a long day,” she explained, noting that Eniola Badmus was staying at another hotel.
According to Thomas, the incident began just before 1:00 am.
“We suddenly heard loud banging and people shouting ‘Thief! Thief!’,” she recalled.
Realizing the hotel was under siege, panic ensued among those inside.
“We were terrified. Funke is very prayerful, so we all started praying,” she said.
Fearing that Akindele was the primary target, Thomas recounted their attempts to hide her.
“I told them she was the face everyone recognized. We tried to hide her under the bed, but that didn’t work, so we moved her into the bathroom,” she clarified.
Akindele concealed herself under her gown while the others knelt in fear.
“The masseuse was praying in tongues, Funke was praying in tongues, and I was 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 clear they were searching for Funke. They were calling her name,” she stated.
Akindele eventually emerged from her hiding place.
“I thought they would just take our valuables and leave, but instead, they ordered her to get dressed and dragged her downstairs to her car,” Thomas recounted.
What happened next was shocking.
“I heard Funke singing Emi Omo Ghetto. I didn’t understand what was happening. They demanded that she sing and dance, and she complied,” she said.
Thomas revealed that while only six armed men entered the hotel, around 20 others were stationed outside.
“We had no idea they were that numerous. We felt completely helpless,” she stated.
Emergency calls were made to influential individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly organized assistance.
Officers from Panti Police Station arrived later, and gunshots were heard as security forces confronted the assailants, causing them to flee.
“It was utter chaos. Someone was shot, a pastor was rushed to the hospital, and about 20 to 30 of us were stranded in the reception area, confused, scared, and praying,” she said.
Thomas shared that months later, she learned that several of the attackers had been apprehended, while others were reportedly killed.
“I was grateful. At that moment, I felt ready to confront one of them without hesitation. I could have lost my life,” she said.
She attributed the attack to a prior incident on set, where some hoodlums who disrupted filming had been arrested and forced to record apology videos.
“Even though we had settled matters with the locals before filming, that incident offended them deeply,” she explained.
Describing the experience as cruel and heartless, Thomas shared that it left a lasting emotional impact.
“When Funke later asked why I didn’t turn her over, I told her that if they intended to kill her, they would have killed all of us together,” she said.
“We are truly grateful to God,” she concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the attack on the hotel?
Armed robbers stormed the hotel where the cast and crew of Omo Ghetto Part Two were staying. The attackers seemed to be targeting lead actress Funke Akindele, leading to a chaotic situation where cast members attempted to hide her while praying for safety.
How did the cast react during the attack?
The cast members were terrified and began praying. They attempted to hide Funke Akindele from the attackers, fearing for her safety as they shouted her name during the invasion.
What was the outcome of the incident?
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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