Heavy rainfall on Thursday left residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone areas in Lagos State stranded, as rising floodwaters submerged homes and cut off major access roads.
Residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday described widespread disruption, calling for urgent government action to address persistent flooding linked to poor drainage systems.
In Ajah, particularly along Muri Okunola Road, floodwaters reportedly covered large portions of the road, forcing commuters to walk through deep water to reach their destinations.
A resident, Mrs Rukayat, said the situation made movement extremely difficult as motorists abandoned vehicles and turned back.
“The water was almost up to my lap. People had to wade through it just to get home,” she said.
She added that tricycles and vehicles broke down in flooded sections, leaving passengers stranded for hours.
Rukayat attributed the recurring flooding to poor drainage systems and possible blockage of canals, noting that residents have repeatedly raised concerns without lasting solutions.
She said overgrown vegetation and sand deposits may be reducing the capacity of drainage channels in the area.
“We reported this when the rains started, but nothing has been done,” she said.
In Mafoluku, residents reported that several streets and residential areas were submerged, preventing many people from returning home after daily activities.
Mrs Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, a resident of Agboola Street, said she was stranded for hours after a sudden downpour flooded her street.
“I couldn’t get back home because everywhere was covered with water,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Mukaila Idris, described the situation as dangerous, noting that strong water currents forced some residents to pay for assistance to cross flooded areas.
In the Eyinogun area, Mr Williams Ekpo said floodwaters entered residential compounds and damaged household items.
He lamented that the situation recurs every rainy season without meaningful intervention.
“This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing is done,” he said.
Residents across the affected communities urged the Lagos State Government and relevant agencies to urgently investigate the flooding and improve drainage infrastructure.
They warned that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen as the rainy season intensifies.
