Residents across Lagos State are raising alarm as persistent heavy rainfall continues to trigger severe flooding, submerging homes, vehicles, and entire communities.
Major parts of state were submerged on Monday as flood ravaged various areas.
Residents of Ijede, Ikorodu, Jakande, Ajah, Okota, Lekki, Ajegunle, and others appeared in viral videos calling for help.
The flood caused gridlock in different parts of the state, with cars being submerged.
In a viral video shared on Monday, a distraught woman was heard pleading for urgent assistance as floodwaters overwhelmed her surroundings.
“We are in Oko Ope in Ijede. Have mercy on us. This is our community. We can’t even enter the house; the flood has damaged everything,” she cried.
“I’m not even wearing footwear. Come and save us; today is the 4th of August, 2025. Come and rescue people.”
Another clip captured a man in the same Ijede area decrying the scale of the destruction caused by the floods.
“This is what I’m facing in my area in Ijede. From August 3-4, Monday morning, inside and outside my house is full of water. Big ocean. See, my three cars are inside water,” he lamented.
The situation in Igbogbo-Bayeku in Ikorodu was similarly dire. A resident from the Selewu Oni Malu community warned of potential mass displacement if the rains persisted.
“My people in Lagos, especially in Ikorodu—this is Selewu Oni Malu in Igbogbo Bayeku,” he said in a video circulating online.
“Just look at the result of the rainfall from last night till this morning. It feels like we’re living in the ocean. Floodwaters have entered so many homes and shops. Look around—can you see how the entire compound is submerged? Even the tricycle is almost underwater.”
Reacting to the videos and residents’ concerns, Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, said in an X (formerly Twitter) post on Monday that the state government is taking concrete steps to address the flooding.
“We have seen the trending video and fully understand the concerns it has raised,” Wahab wrote.
“I want to assure all residents of Ikorodu that the ongoing drainage project in that area, awarded by Governor Jide Sanwoolu, is designed to provide a permanent solution to the problem.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience residents are currently facing. This is temporary. What we are doing now is laying the groundwork for a permanent fix that will improve the quality of life for everyone in that area.”
Wahab added that he has directed the contractor handling the drainage project to begin digging work immediately. The construction of culverts, he said, would be prioritised before continuing with the concrete lining phase of the project.
The commissioner had earlier issued a flood warning, alerting residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and flash floods across the state. He urged calm and assured the public that flood-prone areas are being closely monitored to prevent loss of life.
On July 27, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) warned of impending severe flooding in 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between July 22 and August 5. Lagos was among the states listed at risk.