Bimbo Thomas, the Nollywood actress, has revealed how she and her colleagues narrowly escaped a deadly attack during the filming of the second part of Funke Akindele‘s ‘Omo Ghetto’.
In a recent chat on the WithChude podcast, the film star said they faced persistent harassment from the very beginning of their shoot in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos.
She explained that despite being a native of the community, her local status offered no protection for her and her colleagues.
Bimbo said the situation escalated dangerously late one night after the crew had concluded filming.
According to her, a group of armed men stormed the hotel where she, Akindele, and fellow actress Eniola Badmus were lodged.
“We were shooting in Ebute Metta, and boys would constantly disrupt the set because the film reflected their everyday reality,” she said.
“It was my area. I thought they would respect me, but we still had to bring in security so we could work.
“When they came back, it was obvious they were searching for Funke. They were calling her name…. I told them, ‘She’s the face here.’ We tried to put Funke under the bed, but it didn’t work, so we moved to the bathroom.
“I thought they would just collect valuables and leave, but instead they asked her to dress up and dragged her downstairs to her car.”
She said the assailants demanded that a terrified Akindele sing the ‘Omo Ghetto’ song.
“I came downstairs and heard her singing Emi Omo Ghetto. I didn’t understand what was happening. They asked her to sing and dance, and she did,” she said.
The film star revealed that six armed men were inside the hotel vicinity, while about 20 others were stationed outside.
“We didn’t know they were that many. We were helpless,” she said.
The actress said a frantic call for help was made to Saheed Elegushi of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, who intervened, mobilising police officers to the scene.
According to her, the confrontation that ensued resulted in two persons being injured before the situation was finally brought under control.
Thomas said she learned months later that some of the attackers had been arrested, with others reportedly killed.
