By Jahmankrest
A torrential rainfall that began around midnight on August 3rd, 2025 has led to severe flooding in the Gberigbe area of Ikorodu, Lagos, with damage extending from Gberigbe through Onefold Residence to parts of Ijede community. Properties and infrastructure estimated at over ₦500 million were destroyed, leaving homes submerged, fences collapsed, and numerous families displaced in what is now regarded as the worst flood crisis ever recorded in the area.
Though the downpour lasted for several hours, residents say the disaster was largely man-made, worsened by an abandoned government drainage project. Heaps of excavated sand from the halted drainage project were left along key water channels, blocking the natural flow of water and diverting the flood into people’s homes and compounds. “This is not just rain damage. This was avoidable,” lamented Mr. Adebayo, a resident of Onefold, Gberigbe. “The water couldn’t find its way out, so it found its way into our homes. We lost everything.”
Household Furniture, electronics, gadgets, building materials, and vehicles were either submerged or swept away as the whole streets turned into rivers overnight. Structural collapses were also reported across the affected areas. Residents say they have not experienced this magnitude of flooding in spite of the longstanding flooding related challenges.
The hope and unbroken spirit exhibit by the residents amidst the adversity evidently conveyed the trust they repose on the government of Lagos State. The affected residents expressed optimism that His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will come to their aid. “We believe in the responsiveness of His excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Sanwo-Olu,” said Mrs. Fadipe Oladapo, a displaced resident in Ijede.
“We are hopeful that he will not only send relief but will finally complete the abandoned drainage project that has now become a threat to our lives.” says Mr Kolawole, a resident of Ominira estate: a community at onefold, Gberigbe.
The residents and The executives of the affected CDAs are calling on relevant authorities to implement an immediate situation assessment, distribution of relief and resume the long abandoned drainage construction for a lasting solution of flooding related mishaps in the area. Onefold axis of Gberigbe, and Ijede communities both within Ikorodu are the ones bearing the brunt of the drainage project abandonment. The residents of these localities are united in their plea for immediate action and are hopeful that this incident will spark meaningful intervention and lasting change
Click the links below to watch the video showing flooded areas that caused damage worth over ₦500 million:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wZpyfreKRMpK6J8vhwd04pHZwEHmkWV0/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ozwSSowXlz81QDUnk9p6tRh4x82-jFob/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KXLHZgd_xTzGgIlFt1nN6W-9QcMvwmYA/view?usp=drivesdk
