Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed sympathy with residents of Lagos affected by the widespread flooding triggered by days of persistent rainfall across the state.
In a message shared on his social media platform on Tuesday, Atiku said his thoughts were with families, commuters, motorists and business owners whose daily activities and livelihoods were disrupted by the floods.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the people of Lagos who have been affected by the ongoing flooding. My thoughts are with the families, motorists, commuters, business owners and everyone whose lives and livelihoods were disrupted by this unfortunate event.”
The 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate noted that the disaster underscored the need for solidarity and compassion during difficult times.
“At moments like this, we are reminded of the strength of our shared humanity and the importance of standing together in support of one another. I pray for the safety of all, for a swift return to normalcy.”
His message came as several parts of Lagos experienced flash floods following hours of heavy rainfall, leaving many residents stranded, disrupting traffic and affecting businesses in low-lying communities.
In response to the situation, the Lagos State Government appealed for calm, assuring residents that measures were being intensified to manage the flooding.
The state government also announced that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the immediate dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels to improve flood control across the state.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, attributed the flooding to unusually intense rainfall that overwhelmed drainage infrastructure in several locations, including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin and Mafoluku.
He explained that Lagos’ unique coastal geography, combined with high tides and its network of lagoons, rivers and creeks, often slows the discharge of stormwater into the Atlantic Ocean during periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall, resulting in temporary flooding in vulnerable areas.
Wahab assured residents that emergency response teams remained on the ground while the government continued to monitor drainage channels and flood-prone locations to ensure floodwaters recede as quickly as weather conditions permit.
