馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Torrential downpour causes widespread flooding in Lagos, submerging vehicles and stranding commuters
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
A heavy downpour on Monday brought commercial activities to a halt in several parts of Lagos, leading to widespread flooding that submerged vehicles, stranded motorists and commuters, and caused severe traffic. Areas most affected included Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, and Oworonshoki. Social media videos showed long queues of stationary vehicles and pedestrians wading through deep floodwaters. Residents described the rainfall as one of the heaviest in recent weeks, disrupting movement and business. Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo expressed shock at the flooding on Bourdillon Road. A frustrated motorist lamented the recurring issue, stating he was stuck in traffic for hours. Some commuters attributed the persistent flooding to ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that the flooding was largely due to a significant rise in the lagoon water level, which had increased by approximately one meter, impeding stormwater discharge. He appealed for patience, expecting the situation to normalize as rainfall subsides and lagoon levels recede. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency's NEMA Lagos Operations Office conducted a flood impact assessment in Surulere communities, including Orile, Coker, Aguda, Itire, Ikate, and Ijesha. NEMA reported that homes and businesses were inundated, causing property damage, livelihood disruption, and restricted movement. The agency attrib
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The Nigerian Presidency has criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's demand for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of 39 pupils and six teachers in Oyo State, labeling it unnecessary and politically motivated. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that the governor's request suggests a lack of confidence in Nigeria's security institutions, despite explanations already provided by the military and other security agencies regarding the rescue operation. Onanuga questioned the basis for Makinde's demand, arguing that security agencies would not deliberately subject Nigerians to prolonged captivity, especially given that some security personnel lost their lives during the rescue. He accused Makinde, a presidential aspirant, of allowing political considerations to influence his call for an international probe. Governor Makinde, however, maintained that the call for international scrutiny was aimed at ensuring accountability and reinforcing public confidence, not discrediting Nigerian institutions. He emphasized that Nigerians deserve a full and transparent account of the incident. The rescued victims, including the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, recounted their ordeal, including the killing of a mathematics teacher by the abductors. The General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, detailed the complex rescue operation, which inv
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