Two thieves were electrocuted while allegedly attempting to steal solar streetlights in the Ogobiri community, located in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
A local source confirmed the tragic incident to Daily Trust, stating that the bodies of the thieves were discovered on Saturday morning near the border of the new site of the state-owned Niger Delta University and the Ogobiri roundabout.
The source explained that the thieves had already loosened four solar streetlight poles and were in the process of loosening the fifth when disaster struck. According to the source, the pole fell onto nearby high-tension wires, which were still live, leading to the fatal electrocution.
“One of the thieves was severely burnt and died instantly, while the other was burned beyond recognition, his body reduced to ashes,” the source revealed. The ashes were still visible at the scene on Saturday afternoon.
The body of the second thief was later removed and taken to the mortuary, while the fallen streetlight poles remained along the roadside.
The theft of streetlights has reportedly been a recurring issue in the area. However, as of the time of this report, Bayelsa State Police spokesman ASP Musa Muhammad stated that he had not yet received official details about the incident.
