Man Dies While Attempting to Push Car Through Flood in Ikorodu

In a devastating incident on Wednesday morning, a man lost his life while attempting to push a stranded Toyota Corolla through floodwaters at Fomon bus stop, Ewu Owa, Gberigbe road, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Eyewitnesses recounted that three individuals emerged from the vehicle and commenced efforts to free it from the deep inundation. Suddenly, one of the men collapsed amidst the floodwaters, prompting immediate intervention from onlookers.

Despite concerted attempts to resuscitate him, the man was ultimately transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Heartbreakingly, it was revealed that he had traveled from Abuja to convene with his in-laws regarding burial arrangements for his deceased spouse.

The incident sheds light on the perilous conditions along the Gberigbe road, which has steadily deteriorated over time, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The area, plagued by chronic flooding, has become a notorious bottleneck for commuters, with numerous vehicles, including tricycles and motorcycles, routinely becoming ensnared in the treacherous waters.

Adding to the woes of motorists are groups of individuals colloquially known as “Omonile” (landowners), who exploit the situation by extorting stranded drivers. These individuals demand exorbitant fees, sometimes up to ₦5,000, to assist in freeing trapped vehicles. In cases where their efforts prove futile, they arrange for heavy-duty trucks to tow the vehicles, obliging owners to procure chains, often at an additional cost of ₦7,000.

The dire situation has also impacted local transportation costs, with residents facing daily struggles navigating through the flooded thoroughfares. Desperate scenes of motorcycle (Okada) riders plunging into the waters with passengers onboard have become distressingly commonplace.

With frustrations mounting, residents of the Gberigbe axis implore government intervention to address the longstanding issues plaguing the area’s infrastructure, particularly the notorious Gberigbe road.