Two Men Arrested for Attempted Theft of Solar Streetlights in Bayelsa

Two men were arrested in the early hours of Sunday for allegedly trying to steal solar-powered streetlights along the Bulou-Orua-Ebedebiri Road in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The suspects, identified as Ayebademone Peremobowei and Peres John, are said to be from the nearby town of Tungbo. They are currently being held at the Bayelsa State Police Command Headquarters in Yenagoa, where investigations are ongoing ahead of possible prosecution.

Police spokesperson Musa Mohammed confirmed the arrest in a phone interview on Sunday afternoon. According to Mohammed, a local hunter caught the pair in the act and raised an alarm, leading to their apprehension.

Residents of the area have reported that more than 100 solar lights installed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have gone missing, leaving many communities in darkness and hampering development.

The NDDC has carried out several solar streetlight projects across Bayelsa State under its “Light Up Niger Delta” initiative, aimed at improving rural electrification, security, and economic activity. In Sagbama LGA specifically, contracts have been awarded for installations in communities such as Ebedebiri, Angiama, and Odoni.

However, vandalism and theft of public infrastructure remain persistent problems. In December 2024, two suspected vandals were electrocuted while attempting to steal streetlight poles in Sagbama.

Residents continue to express concern over missing or non-functional lights, noting that theft and poor maintenance are undermining the benefits of these projects.