Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have narrated the hardship they endured after Thursday’s torrential rainfall submerged roads, flooded homes and disrupted movement across several parts of the state.
The affected residents called on the Lagos State Government to urgently address the recurring flooding, which they blamed on inadequate drainage infrastructure and poor maintenance of existing channels.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a resident of Ajah, Mrs. Rukayat, said floodwaters covered a long stretch of Muri Okunola Road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water to reach their destinations.
“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.
According to her, many motorists were forced to turn back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot as the road became impassable.
She added that tricycles were the only means of transportation available in some areas, but many broke down while attempting to navigate the flooded roads.
“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she explained.
Rukayat said residents had repeatedly reported the flooding challenge to relevant authorities but little had been done to provide a lasting solution.
She attributed the situation to blocked drainage channels and poor water flow through a major canal serving the area.
“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said, adding that overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might be obstructing the channel.
In Mafoluku, residents also recounted how the heavy rainfall left streets and homes submerged, stranding many people for hours.
A resident of Agboola Street, Mrs. Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, said she was unable to return home after stepping out to purchase household items before the downpour began.
“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street. I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.
Another resident, Mr. Mukaila Idris, described the flood as both dangerous and frightening, noting that the strong current forced some residents to seek assistance before crossing flooded areas.
“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.
According to him, only physically fit residents could move through the floodwaters safely, while many others had to wait for hours until the water level receded.
Mr. Williams Ekpo, who resides in the Eyinogun area, said the flooding extended beyond roads and entered residential compounds, causing damage to household property.
“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items. This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he lamented.
The residents appealed to the state government and relevant agencies to investigate the persistent flooding and implement lasting drainage and flood-control measures to protect lives and property during the rainy season.
The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over flooding in several parts of Lagos as heavy rains continue to batter the state, raising fears of further disruptions and property losses if urgent interventions are not undertaken.
