168 solar streetlights stolen on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Longbridge

Suspected thief dies while allegedly vandalising TCN electricity transmission tower On Saturday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that a suspected vandal died under a collapsed transmission tower on its 330-kilovolt (kV) Ughelli-Benin transmission line in Delta State. The incident was discovered during an intensive line patrol conducted by the Delta Sub-Region Lines Maintenance Department of TCN. The patrol followed the tripping off of the affected line due to an earth fault. The team traced the fault to Tower 101, which had collapsed. They encountered the body of the suspected vandal, who was found crushed between the tower members. Further inspection revealed that Tower 101 on the adjacent Ughelli-Sapele 330kV transmission line had also been seriously vandalised, though it remained standing at the time of the report. The TCN statement condemned the vandalism of its infrastructure and appealed to host communities and the public to remain vigilant. It urged citizens to report any suspicious activities around power installations to security agencies and nearby TCN offices. The company stressed that protecting power infrastructure is a civic responsibility and warned that vandalism not only causes power outages and damages national assets but also endangers lives. The statement highlighted the need for collective action in combating such acts, stating that the fight against vandalism must involve everyone. In separate developments, PUNCH Metro reported that 168 solar-powered streetlights installed along the Longbridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have been stolen by suspected vandals. The streetlights, installed in 2025, were intended to illuminate the busy five-kilometre-long bridge and enhance safety for motorists, especially at night. However, the lights began disappearing gradually over months. During a visit to the bridge, PUNCH Metro observed that several sections had been stripped of their lighting infrastructure. A count from the OPIC end of the bridge toward Wawa indicated that approximately 168 solar-powered streetlights had been removed. The suspected vandals appeared to have carefully dismantled the lights, loosening the screws and nuts securing the poles before removing and transporting them. Some areas showed signs of forced removal, while others had poles with only one nut instead of the usual two, suggesting the vandals may have returned multiple times to complete the job. The Longbridge, which sees heavy daily traffic, is also known for attacks on motorists whose vehicles break down, particularly at night. The loss of streetlights has raised concerns among drivers and local businesses, as the absence of light increases the risk of accidents and criminal activity. Motorists and business owners expressed alarm over the thefts. Segun, a motorist, noted that the removal of the lights seemed systematic, with no single individual likely responsible. He described the process as requiring time and coordination, indicating involvement of multiple individuals. Dade Aina, a business owner at Wawa, lamented the removal of a streetlight near an underpass, citing increased danger for drivers who break down at night. She warned that the lack of lighting could make the area more susceptible to crime. Similarly, Labake Aliu, another business owner, speculated that the thefts were likely occurring at night, given the difficulty in identifying the perpetrators. The vandalism on the Longbridge highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining critical infrastructure in high-risk areas. While the TCN's incident underscores the physical dangers faced by those attempting to sabotage power systems, the theft of streetlights illustrates the broader issue of infrastructure insecurity. Both cases reflect a pattern of deliberate acts aimed at disrupting services and endangering public safety. Authorities are now under pressure to address these threats through improved surveillance, community engagement, and stricter enforcement measures. As investigations continue, the focus remains on preventing similar incidents and ensuring the safety of both infrastructure and the public.