Nigeria, Sept. 27 -- Residents of Lagos Island, Lekki, and Ikota have decried persistent flooding that left their homes, schools, and businesses submerged after heavy rainfall earlier in the week, even as the state government defended its response efforts.

At Jankarra Market and Itafaji, stagnant water lingered days after the downpour, disrupting activities at shops, schools, bakeries, and places of worship.

Residents said the foul-smelling pools were becoming a health hazard.

"Our condition is caused by ongoing drainage works. Even when it doesn't rain, the water refuses to go. We are worried about sicknesses," Abdulkareem Hammed, a resident, told PREMIUM TIMES on Friday evening.

Another resident, Kunle Sodiq, added that he could onl...