Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has recounted a harrowing experience in which armed robbers reportedly stormed a hotel housing the cast and crew of Omo Ghetto Part Two in Ebute Metta, Lagos, in an incident that she said nearly cost lives.

Thomas, who gained mainstream recognition portraying Nikky in the blockbuster film, revealed that the attackers appeared to be targeting filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele. She linked the attack to a previous clash between local hoodlums and the production team.

Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, published Saturday, Thomas said filming the movie—which explores street life and gang culture—often attracted harassment from local youths.

“We were shooting in Ebute Metta, and boys would constantly disrupt the set because the film reflected their everyday reality,” she said.

Although Thomas grew up in the area, familiarity offered no protection. Security had to be increased on set to ensure the crew could work safely.

“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 occurred late at night after filming had wrapped. Cast members were staying in separate hotels, and Thomas initially lodged elsewhere until Akindele invited her over.

“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.

According to Thomas, the ordeal began shortly before 1:00 a.m.

“We suddenly heard loud banging and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole!’” she recalled.

Panic quickly spread among those inside the hotel.

“We were terrified. Funke is very prayerful, so we all started praying,” Thomas said.

Fearing that Akindele was the primary target, the crew 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 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 returned later, calling Akindele’s name and forcing their way inside.

“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.

She added that the robbers ordered Akindele to sing and dance.

“I heard Funke singing Emi Omo Ghetto. I didn’t understand what was happening. They made her perform, and she did,” Thomas said.

Thomas revealed that while six armed men entered the hotel, roughly 20 others were positioned outside, leaving the crew feeling completely helpless.

Emergency calls were made to prominent individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly mobilised help. Officers from Panti Police Station eventually arrived, and gunshots were exchanged, forcing the attackers 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.

Months later, Thomas learned that 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 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 truly grateful to God,” she added.