‘Come rescue us’ — Lagos residents cry out as floods submerge houses, vehicles

Residents of Lagos have cried out over the worsening floods as heavy rainfall persists across the state.

`In a viral video shared on Monday, a woman was heard crying for help as floodwaters submerged 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,” the woman cried out.

“I’m not even wearing footwear. Come and save us; today is the 4th of August, 2025. Come and rescue people.”

In another video, a man was heard calling the attention of the authorities to the flooding situation in his community in the Ijede area of the state.

“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,” the resident said.

Another resident at Igbogbo-Bayeku in Ikorodu lamented the impact of the flooding in yet another video circulating online.

He called on residents to pray that the rain does not continue through the day, warning that it could force people to relocate from the area.

“My people in Lagos, especially in Ikorodu—this is Selewu Oni Malu in Igbogbo Bayeku,” the resident said.

“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 flooding situation in an X post on Monday, Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos commissioner for the environment and water resources, said the state is working to provide a permanent solution to the problem.

Houses, vehicles submerged as flood wrecks Lagos suburbs pic.twitter.com/arwQcBU1DD

— TheCable (@thecableng) August 4, 2025

Wahab noted that he has directed the contractor to begin digging work immediately towards the drainage point.

He said the construction of culverts should be prioritised first, adding that the concrete lining—part of the overall project—will continue once the culverts are properly in place.

“We have seen the trending video and fully understand the concerns it has raised,” the post reads.

“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.”

Earlier, the commissioner had issued a flood warning alert of heavy rainfall and flash floods in the state.

He urged residents to remain calm, adding that the government is closely monitoring flood-prone areas to ensure that no life is lost.

On July 27, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) warned of severe flooding in 27 states and the federal capital territory (FCT) between July 22 and August 5.

Lagos, along with several other states, was listed among those at risk of flooding during this period.

In its 2025 weather outlook, NIHSA said 30 states, including Lagos, were at high risk of flooding.