“What Happened to Abuja?” Residents Blame Wike as Flood Submerges Wuse 2, Other Areas

Heavy flooding has submerged parts of Abuja following a downpour, leaving motorists stranded and triggering criticism of the Federal Capital Territory Administration led by Minister Nyesom Wike.

Videos circulating on X showed floodwater covering parts of Wuse 2, including Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, the bridge near City Park and a plaza. Several vehicles were also seen partially submerged in the floodwater.

Other areas reportedly affected include Wuse Zone 1, Katampe, Durumi, Gwarinpa, Gaduwa and Gudu.

The heavy rainfall left some residents and motorists stranded as floodwater accumulated across roads and other parts of the city before eventually receding.

The flooding has triggered criticism on social media, with some residents and commentators blaming the FCT administration and accusing Wike of failing to protect Abuja’s original master plan.

An X user identified as Chude argued that Abuja was designed with extensive planning and infrastructure intended to prevent such flooding.

“Abuja is sinking. The planned capital of Nigeria, one of three purpose-built capitals in West Africa and the newest there, was never meant to flood,” the user wrote.

Chude alleged that blocked drainage systems, narrowed canals and development around previously protected green areas were contributing to the flooding.

Another X user, Everest, also criticised the administration, linking the situation to alleged changes in Abuja’s development pattern.

Mohammed Jummal described the flooding as a serious concern, saying the scale of the incident appeared unusual.

“The flooding in Abuja should be a serious concern for all of us. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen it this bad, especially with flooding now occurring in areas where we’ve never experienced it before,” he wrote.

Theo Abu Agada also blamed the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and repeated allegations that green areas in Abuja were being sold to developers.