Abuja was hit by severe flooding after heavy rainfall overwhelmed several parts of the Federal Capital Territory, leaving residents counting losses and describing the incident as one of the most severe flooding events they have experienced in recent years.
The downpour began gradually on Tuesday evening but intensified significantly by about 10pm, with floodwaters spreading across parts of Asokoro, Maitama, Guzape, Lokogoma, Garki, Wuse and other areas of the capital.
The flooding reportedly entered residential compounds, damaged properties and swept away fences and gates in some affected neighbourhoods. Several roads were also inundated, making movement difficult for motorists and residents.
Residents described the scale of the flooding as unusual.
One Asokoro resident, who has lived in the area since 2008, said he had never witnessed floodwaters rise to the level recorded during the incident. Another resident said it was the first time in more than a decade of living in Abuja that he had experienced flooding of such magnitude.
The latest incident also affected some of Abuja’s traditionally upscale districts, including Maitama, Asokoro and Guzape, areas that residents may not ordinarily associate with severe flooding.
According to accounts from residents, water entered homes and compounds during the night, with some people forced to move to safer areas as the floodwaters rose.
The flooding has renewed concerns about Abuja’s drainage infrastructure, urban development and the city’s preparedness for extreme rainfall.
The incident is particularly significant because flooding in Abuja has historically been associated with lower-lying communities and areas such as Kubwa, Lokogoma and Galadima. However, Tuesday night’s rainfall affected several locations across the capital, including areas on higher ground.
The latest development comes amid broader concerns over the increasing impact of intense rainfall and flooding across Nigeria.
Residents and stakeholders are expected to intensify calls for improved drainage systems, better urban planning and stronger enforcement of regulations governing construction around waterways and flood-prone areas.
For many residents affected by the Abuja flooding, however, the immediate concern remains the damage to homes, vehicles and other property caused by the sudden rise in floodwaters.
The full extent of the damage and any official assessment of losses from the latest flooding were not immediately available at the time of reporting.
