Heavy rainfall caused flooding in many parts of Lagos State on Thursday, leading to gridlock and stranding motorists and commuters for hours. The National Emergency Management Agency quickly issued an advisory cautioning residents, motorists, teachers, and school proprietors on the need to exercise restraint during and after the downpour.

Both Island and Mainland roads were flooded during the rainfall, with reports that traffic was at a standstill on some roads, while others witnessed slow movement as motorists struggled to wade through the flood.

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An eyewitness named John reported that motorists had a difficult time navigating the bad portion of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway due to the flood. Many vehicles broke down in the flood, causing gridlock that extended towards the Ikotun and Igando Roads. Commuters were also unable to move around, and many were seen hanging around while waiting for the flood to reduce.

Residents complained about the recurrence of floods in the area during the rainy season, with some of them urging the government to monitor the process of clearing the drainages. Niyi Akomolafe, one of the residents, said the government seems to care less about the flooding issue.

Temilola Ajayi also echoed the same sentiment, stating that most of the dirt being pulled out from the drainages is often left beside it and eventually makes its way back into it.

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The Lagos Coordinator of NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, urged school proprietors and teachers to keep pupils under their custody for 30 minutes after rainfall for the flash flood to subside. He also warned drivers to exercise patience, and people to avoid taking refuge in makeshift shelters as the place can be washed off by floods. NEMA and other stakeholders were stationed on the highways to monitor and respond to any distress situation that may arise during the torrential rainfall in the state.