Two men have tragically lost their lives in a botched attempt to steal solar streetlights in the Ogobiri community, located in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The incident has shocked the local population and raised alarms about the dangers of such criminal activities.
The grisly discovery was made on Saturday morning, when the bodies of the thieves were found near the New Site of the state-run Niger Delta University, close to the Ogobiri roundabout. Sources confirmed to our correspondent hat the men were in the midst of their illegal operation when they met their untimely end.
According to eyewitnesses, the thieves had already managed to loosen four solar-powered streetlight poles and were attempting to dislodge a fifth one when disaster struck. As they worked, the heavy pole toppled onto nearby high-voltage power lines, resulting in a deadly electric shock.
“The thieves had loosened five poles, and while working on the fifth one, the pole fell onto high-tension wires,” an eyewitness revealed. “Unfortunately, there was live power, and they were electrocuted almost immediately.”
The impact was severe. One thief was reportedly burned beyond recognition, dying instantly from the electric shock, while the second man was consumed entirely by flames. “The second body was reduced to ashes, so much so that it was barely identifiable,” the witness added. At 11:30 am, the remains were still visible at the scene, maintaining the shape of a human form.
The first body was removed from the scene and taken to a mortuary, while the solar streetlight poles remained abandoned by the roadside. Sources indicate that theft of solar lights has become increasingly common in the area, with criminals frequently targeting the valuable streetlights for resale.
This deadly incident is expected to serve as a strong deterrent to others involved in similar illegal activities. Local residents have expressed hope that the tragedy will curb the growing problem of streetlight theft, which has plagued the community for some time.
Despite the shocking nature of the incident, officials from the Bayelsa State Police Command have yet to comment. Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musa Mohammed, stated that he had not received any official report on the case as of the latest update.
The shocking incident highlights not only the dangerous nature of such crimes but also the growing concern over the theft of public infrastructure in Bayelsa State. While the theft of solar-powered streetlights may be financially motivated, the loss of life and the community’s ongoing security issues are critical concerns that need to be addressed.
