Two thieves tragically lost their lives in a botched robbery attempt while trying to steal solar-powered streetlights in the Ogobiri community, located in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The gruesome incident occurred early Saturday morning and has sent shockwaves through the local community, with authorities still piecing together the details surrounding the theft attempt.
According to a local resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the thieves had successfully loosened four solar streetlight poles and were in the process of dismantling the fifth when tragedy struck. The streetlight pole, which they had been attempting to remove, fell onto an exposed high-tension wire, resulting in a fatal electric shock.
“The thieves were in the middle of loosening the fifth pole when it suddenly fell and hit the high-tension wires nearby,” said the source. “At that moment, there was still power running through the wires, and they were electrocuted. One of them was burned beyond recognition and died on the spot. The other was also severely burned, but the body was so badly charred that it turned to ashes.”
The gruesome aftermath of the incident left behind two lifeless bodies: one so severely burned that it was unrecognisable, and the other reduced to nothing more than a pile of ashes. As of Saturday afternoon, the charred remains of the deceased had not yet been removed, with local residents describing the scene as deeply unsettling.
“The ashes of one of the thieves were still at the site of the incident when I passed by earlier in the day,” another community member shared. “It was a sight no one should ever have to witness, especially when they were trying to steal something that benefits the community.”
The police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, with Bayelsa State Police spokesperson, ASP Musa Muhammad, confirming that they had not received any formal report as of the time of writing. However, local authorities have expressed concerns about the rising trend of streetlight thefts in the area.
This particular theft attempt was not the first of its kind in Ogobiri, with residents reporting multiple instances of thieves targeting the community’s solar streetlights in recent months. The lights, which have been installed as part of a state-wide initiative to provide clean and sustainable lighting in rural areas, have become a target for criminals looking to profit from their sale.
“The theft of streetlights is a recurring issue in this community,” a local business owner remarked. “The solar-powered lights were installed to help brighten up the streets, but now they are being taken away by thieves who only care about the money they can make from selling them. It’s very sad to see.”
The rise in solar streetlight thefts has sparked concerns among residents and local authorities alike. The lights, which are part of the government’s efforts to address the energy challenges in the state, are often targeted because they can be easily dismantled and sold for scrap or parts. With many areas already struggling with power shortages, the theft of solar lights only exacerbates the problem.
Residents of Ogobiri and surrounding communities have called for more stringent security measures to protect public infrastructure, including the installation of surveillance cameras and increased patrols by law enforcement. Some locals have also suggested that local leaders should step up efforts to engage the community in reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
“This needs to stop,” said one resident. “Our communities are already facing enough challenges with power outages, and now thieves are stealing the lights that are meant to help us. We need to come together as a community and demand more protection for our public infrastructure.”
Despite the growing concerns, some members of the community have expressed mixed feelings about the incident. While many are horrified by the tragic deaths, others have noted that the thieves were engaging in illegal activities and that their untimely deaths were a consequence of their actions.
“It’s unfortunate that they lost their lives, but they were committing a crime,” one local resident commented. “Perhaps this will serve as a warning to others who are thinking of doing the same thing.”
Bayelsa State has been grappling with various security challenges, including thefts, kidnappings, and other criminal activities. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the targeting of public infrastructure, including the theft of streetlights, power cables, and other materials that can be sold for profit.
The theft of solar streetlights, in particular, has become a concerning issue for state and local governments, as these lights are often part of broader environmental and energy projects aimed at improving access to electricity in underserved communities. The loss of these solar-powered lights not only impacts the local residents but also hinders the state’s efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Authorities in Bayelsa State have yet to comment on how they plan to address the growing problem of streetlight thefts. However, there is mounting pressure from residents for government agencies to prioritize the protection of public infrastructure and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
The incident in Ogobiri has once again brought the issue of public safety and the protection of state-funded projects into the spotlight. While the thieves’ deaths may serve as a deterrent to others who might consider similar crimes, it is clear that more needs to be done to safeguard public assets and ensure that they benefit the community as intended.
