News
Flooding: Panic in Lagos over impending disaster alert
An uneasy calm hangs over Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, particularly on the Island, as residents brace for what experts predict could be one of the worst flood seasons in recent years.
The fear was heightened following a fresh warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, which listed Lagos among states at high risk of severe flooding in its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook unveiled last week in Abuja.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who presided over the event, urged residents in flood-prone communities, particularly those on Lagos Island, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Ajah, to prepare for severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, rising sea levels and overstretched urban drainage infrastructure.
For many Lagosians, this is not an unfamiliar dread. The city, perched precariously on the Atlantic coast, has witnessed repeated flood disasters over the years, incidents that have damaged properties, paralysed businesses and displaced many families.
The pattern dates as far back as 2012 when Lagos experienced severe flooding following torrential rains in July. Major streets such as Ahmadu Bello Way, Ozumba Mbadiwe and Marina on the Island were completely submerged.
Businesses were forced to close, while vehicles and pedestrians alike were stranded for hours in waist-deep water.
The year marked one of the worst flood disasters in the state’s history. That year, floodwaters submerged homes across Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island and parts of Ajah.
Residents waded through waist-high water as several roads became impassable. Many were displaced, with properties worth millions of naira lost to the deluge.
In the wake of NIHSA’s warning, Lagos residents have expressed deep concerns over the looming flood threat.
Funmi Adebayo, a civil servant and resident of Lekki Phase 1, said “Each time the rains come, we live in fear.
“Last year, water flooded my sitting room and destroyed my furniture. I had to replace household items worth over N2 million. These annual warnings only remind us of our helplessness.
”Kennedy Terfa, a media executive based in Victoria Island, lamented that “Flooding here has become a tradition. In 2022, my office server and several gadgets were destroyed when water poured in during a downpour.
The government makes promises every year, but we hardly see sustainable action.”
Titi Balogun, a teacher living in Oniru Estate, expressed her frustration thus: “During the rainy season, I barely sleep at night.
“We’re constantly checking if water levels are rising. Last year, a neighbour’s fence collapsed because of flood pressure. It’s terrifying, especially with children in the house.”
Ayo Shonibare, a commercial driver who plies the Ajah–Lekki–Victoria Island route, noted: “Once it rains, everywhere locks down. Our roads are terrible and the drains are always clogged.
“It’s either you risk your vehicle getting stuck or stay home and lose income. Nobody should have to live like this in a city like Lagos.”
Meanwhile, responding to the growing tension, the Lagos State Government has reiterated its preparedness to manage the anticipated downpours and flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas on the Island.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection of the ongoing Lagos Island Urban Regeneration Project, assured residents that proactive steps were underway.
Wahab confirmed that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) had been fully mobilized to operate year-round, focusing on desilting blocked drainages, clearing canals, and addressing flood-prone areas.
“We are not treating this as business as usual. Our drainage clearing and urban regeneration projects on Lagos Island and other flood-prone areas are in top gear.
“EFAG teams have been deployed across the state and will remain active throughout the year to prevent disaster,” Wahab stated.
He further appealed to residents to cooperate with government agencies by avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal, which contributes to drainage blockage.
Some unknown gunmen have killed at least three policemen in Achi, Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Ohibaba.com learnt that the incident occurred at a checkpoint close to Ozudaa Market, Auchi.
Details of the incident are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.
However, a viral gory video seen on Facebook by Ohibaba.com shows lifeless bodies of the slain policemen.
More to follow….
Watch the video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Nasrk54MA/
In a decisive move to end the protracted land dispute between the Isinigbo and Igoba communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved the constitution of an Arbitration Committee to mediate the conflict and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, expert in conflict resolution and a Fellow of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Arbitratirs in the United Kingdom.
The Governor’s action aligns with a resolution of the Ondo State House of Assembly and underscores his administration’s commitment to peace, security, and communal harmony across the state.
The land dispute between Isinigbo and Igoba has lingered for years, leading to the loss of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The unrest has also strained social relations and disrupted the peaceful coexistence of residents in the affected communities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s intervention is seen as a bold step toward restoring order and ensuring long-term stability.
The committee’s mandate includes identifying the root and immediate causes of the conflict, key actors involved, and facilitating peaceful dialogue between stakeholders.
Other members of the committee include Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency II in the State House of Assembly; Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilson Afolabi; Ondo State Surveyor-General, Surv. Idowu Owolabi; and Mr. F.O. Adaramola, Secretary of the Ondo State Boundary Commission, who will serve as secretary of the committee.
According to the appointment letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the committee is also expected to recommend actionable solutions to the boundary issues and propose strategic policies to prevent similar conflicts in other parts of the state.
The committee has been given a three-month timeline to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Olayide Owolabi Adelami, for further action.
News
Full list of fifty-one people killed in Plateau Monday Morning Attack
The movement described the attack as a continuation of an ongoing genocide and called for urgent intervention by the government and civil society organizations.
The Irigwe Youth Movement has confirmed the killing of 51 of its kinsmen in the early hours of Monday, April 14, 2025, in Zikke, Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, predominantly inhabited by Irigwe natives.
The massacre, carried out by suspected herdsmen militias, lasted for over 90 minutes between midnight and 1:30 a.m., leaving dozens of homes razed and scores of families devastated.
In a statement by Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, made available to journalists Monday night in Jos, “the victims were murdered in cold blood by militias. The victims are as follows:
- Musa Dako, 64 years
- Daniel Adams, 27 years
- Obadiah Usman, 31 years
- Zinas James, 22 years
- Monday Sareke, 37 years
- Yohanna Kusa, 43 years
- Janet Danjuma, 29 years
- Sunday Dako, 49 years
- Reuben Adamu, 94 years
- Dogara Adamu, 69 years
- Bulus Moses, 26 years
- Stephen John, 28 years
- Menche Stephen, 7 years
- Nema Stephen, 4 years
- Mary Stephen, 24 years
- Wiki John, 30 years
- Joshua John Bagu, 46 years
- Margaret Morris, 6 years
- Debene Morris, 4 years
- Monday Sale, 52 years
- Salama Agah, 15 years
- Laraba Agah, 4 years
- Talatu Mangwa, 42 years
- Grace David, 45 years
- Lovina Monday, 19 years
- Agah Monday, 4 years
- Naomi Monday, 37 years
- Noel David, 13 years
- Jummai Stephen, 10 years
- Monday Keyi, 37 years
- Jerry Moses, 7 years
- James Moses, 10 years
- Jacob Moses, 3 years
- Danjuma Gado, 38 years
- Friday Moses, 14 years
- Talatu Moses, 47 years
- Akus Moses, 46 years
- Asi Jerry, 58 years
- Tele Zea, 29 years
- Bre Shetu Nanzhwa, 61 years
- Nanzhwa Ive, 5 years
- Kaja Daniel, 42 years
- Elisha Anthony, 37 years
- Anna Anthony, 67 years
- Danlami Randum (Mula), 49 years
- Ado Danjuma, 17 years
- Sarah Kula, 16 years
- Ishaya Moses, 10 years
- Juan Moses, 5 years
- Sunday Mangwa, 25 years
- Moses Bala, 43 years”
The movement described the attack as a continuation of an ongoing genocide and called for urgent intervention by the government and civil society organizations.
From BusinessDay
MTN and Meta Improve WhatsApp Call Quality
CBEX: Nigerians lose N1.3tn as digital trading platform crashes
BREAKING: Unknown gunmen on rampage, kill 3 policemen in Enugu [VIDEO]
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Politics2 days agoGabon Transit from Military to Democracy as Oligui Wins Presidential Election
-
Sports2 days agoChristian Chukwu’s Green Eagles teammate Charles Bassey dies at 71
-
News9 hours agoDarkness looms in Nigeria as GenCos threaten shutdown over unpaid N4tn debt
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Mixed reactions as House of Reps propose 5-year jail term for exams malpractice
-
Business9 hours agoJUST IN: FG scrambles to avert Gencos shutdown over N4tn debt
-
News2 days agoNASS Introducing Bill to Jail Nigerians who Fail to Vote
-
Business2 days agoNIS Begins Contactless Passport System in the Americas
-
Crime9 hours agoJUST IN: Tinubu orders offensive as fresh Plateau attack leaves 51 dead