By Elizabeth Osayande 

With five families displaced, and many homes submerged, Ayanrin communities, and environs in Olorunda LCDA of Lagos State, have an alarm over the devastating effect of the overflowing of the Gada canal. 

This is as they seek with immediate effect the urgent intervention of the Lagos state government, and the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in addressing further loss of properties, and displacement of families.

In SOS exclusively sent to our correspondent, Dr Sunday Fowowe, on behalf of Concerned Residents of Gada–Okemeta–Ayanrin Communities, Ibiye, Olorunda LCDA, Lagos State, said emergency response is urgently needed to avert catastrophe.

Part of the release sent read: “ His Excellency, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu: Urgent Appeal for Immediate Intervention on the Overflow of Gada Canal Affecting Gada–Okemeta–AYANRIN Communities, Ibiye, Olorunda LCDA.

“Your Excellency, we come before you today with deep urgency, humility, and a heavy heart, speaking on behalf of the peaceful and law-abiding residents of Gada–Okemeta–Ayanrin communities in Ibiye, under Olorunda LCDA, Lagos State.

“At the moment, our communities are under serious threat from the continuous overflow of the Gada Canal. What began as seasonal rainfall has now escalated into a dangerous flooding situation that is rapidly displacing families, destroying livelihoods, and putting lives at risk.

“As of the time of this address, no fewer than five families have already abandoned their homes in fear of being submerged. Many others remain trapped in uncertainty, watching water levels rise steadily with each passing hour of rainfall. Elderly persons, nursing mothers, and children are particularly vulnerable, living in fear of the unknown as the waters encroach further into residential areas.

Your Excellency, these are not statistics—they are human lives, families, and futures hanging in the balance.

“We respectfully draw your attention to the urgent need for immediate state intervention through coordinated emergency response, including but not limited to:

Immediate deployment of drainage and flood control teams to the Gada Canal.

“Emergency evacuation support for the most vulnerable households

Temporary relocation and relief materials for displaced families

Clearing, dredging, and structural assessment of the canal to prevent further overflow.

“Activation of rapid response measures through relevant state emergency agencies. We humbly appeal to the Lagos State Government and its emergency response machinery, including the

Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to urgently intervene before the situation deteriorates beyond control.

“Your Excellency, we reaffirm that our communities remain peaceful, cooperative, and law-abiding. There is no unrest—only distress. There is no conflict—only a natural disaster demanding timely governmental attention and compassionate leadership.

“We are not asking for luxury; we are asking for survival. We are not demanding comfort; we are pleading for safety. Above all, we are appealing for the protection of human life, dignity, and shelter.

“We trust in your well-known responsiveness to emergencies across Lagos State and your commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of location or status. We therefore respectfully call on your immediate attention and decisive action to prevent further displacement, destruction, and possible loss of life.

“May this appeal reach your desk with the urgency it deserves.”