Lagos-Benin Expressway Flood Strands Hundreds of Travellers in Ondo
Hundreds of travellers were left stranded for several hours after severe flooding submerged a section of the Lagos-Benin Expressway in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, disrupting traffic along one of Nigeria’s busiest highways and causing extensive gridlock.
The flooding followed hours of torrential rainfall that rendered the affected section of the highway impassable, forcing motorists to remain trapped while others searched for longer alternative routes. The Lagos-Benin Expressway serves as a major transport corridor linking the South-West with the South-South and other parts of the country, making the disruption a significant setback for commuters and the movement of goods.
Beyond the expressway, several communities across Ondo State, including Ondo town, Odigbo, Irele, Ode-Aye and Igbokoda, also experienced widespread flooding. Homes, businesses and vehicles were inundated, while many families were forced to flee to safer locations after rising floodwaters submerged residential areas. Although no deaths were reported, residents recorded substantial property losses.
Affected travellers described the experience as traumatic and appealed to the Federal Government and Ondo State Government to urgently rehabilitate the affected section of the highway and implement lasting flood control measures. Residents also blamed the recurring flooding on blocked drainage channels, poor water management and prolonged rainfall.
Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State Government expressed sympathy with affected residents and assured the public that emergency response measures had been activated. The Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said flood-prone locations had already been identified for intervention, while additional assessments were underway following the latest rainfall. He added that amphibious excavators were being deployed to clear blocked waterways and improve drainage in vulnerable communities.
The latest flooding has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of critical road infrastructure during the rainy season, with stakeholders calling for sustained investment in drainage systems, flood mitigation projects and routine maintenance of major highways to prevent future disruptions.
