By John Ovie, YENAGOA
The wave of stealing of installed solar powered street lights in Bayelsa state has become a cause for worry in the state.
One of the landmark achievements of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under Mr. Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer is the installation of solar street lights across cities, towns and villages in the oil rich region.
Unfortunately, economic saboteurs are on the prowl, vandalizing the solar panels and poles especially in Bayelsa state.
TNN reports that along the Outer Ring Road in Yenagoa, yet to be identified suspected vandals have fallen several solar light installed poles and removed the panels, keeping the area in darkness.
This dastardly act is being recorded in various parts of the state, thwarting the effort of the NDDC which is meant to light up streets and reduce criminal activities especially at nights.
However, luck ran out of two suspects along Bulou-Orua Road in Sagbama local government area as they were caught in the act of stealing solar panels in the early hours of Sunday.
The suspects, Ayebademone Peremobowei and Peres John, are allegedly from nearby Tungbo town. A local hunter caught them in the act and raised an alarm, leading to their apprehension by the locals.
Residents say over 100 solar lights installed by the NDDC have gone missing, leaving many areas in darkness and affecting development.
The two suspects have been handed over to the Police for investigation and prosecution.
