Ogobiri, Bayelsa State In a tragic incident, two suspected thieves met their demise when they were electrocuted while attempting to steal solar streetlights in Ogobiri, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The incident occurred near the New Site of the Niger Delta University and the Ogobiri roundabout, where the bodies were discovered on Saturday morning, December 28.
According to local reports, the thieves had successfully dismantled four streetlight poles and were working on a fifth when the mishap occurred. The pole they were tampering with fell onto high-tension electrical wires, leading to their immediate electrocution.
The theft of streetlights, particularly solar-powered ones, has become increasingly prevalent in this region, posing not only a threat to public infrastructure but also to the lives of those engaging in such criminal activities. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with tampering with electrical systems without proper precautions.
Local authorities have been informed, and an investigation is expected to follow to further understand the circumstances of this event. The community has expressed concerns over the recurring thefts, which not only compromise public safety by reducing street lighting but also lead to unnecessary loss of life.
Residents are calling for increased security measures around public utilities and for awareness campaigns to deter potential thieves from engaging in such risky behaviors. The tragic outcome of this theft attempt underscores the urgent need for both preventive measures and education on the dangers of interfering with electrical installations.