‘Darkness has taken over,’ residents lament as vandals strip 168 lights
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS — Residents and motorists along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have raised the alarm over the theft of more than 168 solar-powered streetlights installed along the five-kilometre Longbridge section of the highway.
The development has plunged parts of the corridor around Warewa, Wawa, Arepo and Magboro into darkness, heightening concerns about the safety of motorists and residents, particularly at night.
The solar-powered streetlights were installed in 2025 as part of efforts to improve visibility and address security concerns along the busy highway.
However, many of the poles, LED fittings and solar panels have reportedly been systematically removed, leaving significant portions of the highway unlit.
The affected stretch has in the past been associated with reports of highway robbery and attacks on motorists, particularly those whose vehicles break down at night.
Residents fear that the renewed darkness could provide cover for criminals and expose stranded motorists to attacks before help arrives.
At highway speeds, the absence of lighting could also make stalled vehicles, road debris and other hazards more difficult for motorists to detect.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a major transport corridor linking Lagos with other parts of the country, carrying commuters, commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks daily.
‘We’re back in the dark ages’
A resident and public interest analyst, Mr Nelson Ekujumi, condemned the vandalisation of the public infrastructure, describing it as a threat to public safety.
“The vandalisation of public assets like the solar-powered streetlights on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is highly condemnable.
“I was shocked that the whole place, which was formerly lit up, has been thrown back into darkness. “Agents of darkness perpetrate their evil acts under the cover of night,” Ekujumi said.
He urged the authorities to ensure that anyone arrested over the vandalism was prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It was observed that some streetlights at the extreme ends of the bridge, where traffic and pedestrian movements are more frequent, remained intact, while several central sections had been stripped of their lighting equipment.
A resident identified simply as Lucky said the removal of the lights had revived fears over security along the corridor.
“Before the installations, there were constant cases of robbery, kidnapping, and attacks on motorists, especially those whose vehicles broke down.
“Now, all of that is returning,” he said.
Another resident of Arepo, Hakeem Olawepo, said the situation had remained unchanged since the streetlights began disappearing.
“Nothing has changed since the day they started removing them,” Olawepo lamented.
“That is why you no longer see streetlights on the bridge. The darkness has completely taken over, leaving room for unscrupulous elements to carry out their nefarious activities.”
Publisher of Pentouch.com.ng, Ayodele Lawal, also expressed concern over the development.
“The vandalisation of solar-powered lights is very disturbing and, if something urgent is not done, it can lead to insecurity of lives and property,” Lawal said.
Police arrest four suspects
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of at least four suspects allegedly linked to the theft and vandalisation of infrastructure along the corridor.
The suspects were identified as Simon David, Yinusa Garba, Fawas Suleiman and Tunde Tobiloba.
According to the information provided by the authorities, the suspects were arrested and charged over alleged offences ranging from nighttime asset stripping and metal theft to vandalism of highway infrastructure and possession of cut steel poles and other accessories.
However, surveillance efforts along the corridor were reportedly affected by an accident involving a police patrol vehicle.
The Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Michael Komolafe, said the patrol vehicle was rammed by another vehicle, leaving an officer injured and disrupting police surveillance.
“I met with the police, and the DPO assured us their men were always on patrol. But he later informed me that their vehicle was rammed and damaged, and an officer was hospitalised. The vandals immediately took advantage of that gap in police presence,” Komolafe said.
He said replacing the stolen lights without first putting adequate security measures in place would expose the infrastructure to renewed vandalism.
“Efforts towards replacement are not there yet. Even if we replace them, we must first ensure they cannot be vandalised again.
“Otherwise, we are simply working for the vandals,” he said.
Authorities move to curb vandalism
The Ogun State Police Command and traffic management authorities, including the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), have reportedly redeployed operational personnel to maintain a continuous presence along the affected stretch.
The move is aimed at deterring further vandalism and the activities of suspected scrap-metal buyers.
The Federal Ministry of Works is also said to be considering anti-theft measures before replacing the stolen equipment, including stronger anti-tamper fastenings and protective structural enclosures.
Meanwhile, stakeholders and civil society organisations have called for the installation of solar-powered closed-circuit television cameras linked to police control centres to enable real-time monitoring of public infrastructure along the corridor.
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