Two men were caught in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, 2026, while trying to steal solar streetlights along the Bulou-Orua–Ebedebiri Road in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

As of the time of this report, the two suspects are already in police custody at the Police Command Headquarters in Yenagoa for investigation and possible prosecution.

According to the police spokesman, DSP Musa Mohammed, who confirmed the arrest in a telephone conversation on Sunday afternoon, the suspects, identified as Ayebademone Peremobowei and Peres John, are allegedly from nearby Tungbo town.

A local hunter caught them in the act and raised an alarm, leading to their arrest.

Residents say over 100 solar lights installed by the NDDC have gone missing, leaving many areas in darkness and affecting development.

PUNCH Online reports that Solar-powered streetlight projects are a common intervention across communities in Bayelsa State, largely driven by the NDDC to improve rural electrification, security and economic activity. The agency has executed multiple installations in Sagbama Local Government Area and other parts of the state under its “Light Up Niger Delta” initiative.

In Sagbama specifically, several contracts have been awarded for the installation of solar streetlights in communities such as Ebedebiri, Angiama and Odoni, reflecting sustained federal investment in off-grid lighting infrastructure.

However, vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, including solar streetlights, have become recurring concerns in the area.

In December 2024, two suspected vandals were electrocuted while attempting to steal streetlight poles in Sagbama, highlighting the risks and persistence of the crime.

Residents have also raised concerns about missing or non-functional installations in some communities, suggesting that theft and maintenance challenges continue to undermine the intended benefits of these projects. (The PUNCH)

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