“Darkness Returns To Bayelsa State: Outrage As Over 100 NDDC Solar Lights Vanish In Bulu-Orua, Suspects Nabbed In Midnight Sting”
By Passman Akpos
Tension and anger have gripped Bulu-Orua community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following the shocking theft of over 100 solar-powered street lights installed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a project meant to improve safety and infrastructure in the riverine area.
The long-running vandalism took a dramatic turn in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, 2026, when a vigilant local hunter reportedly caught two men red-handed while attempting to dismantle and cart away solar installations along the Bulu-Orua–Ebedebiri road.
The suspects, identified as Ayebademone Peremobowei and Peres John, both said to be from neighbouring Tungbo town, were immediately apprehended at the scene. Community sources confirmed that they are being transferred to the Bayelsa State Police Command in Yenagoa for further investigation and possible prosecution, with the assistance of community stakeholder Jebba Christopher Davies.
Residents say the repeated theft has plunged parts of Bulu-Orua back into darkness, raising fears over security and undermining government-backed development efforts. Many described the situation as both frustrating and embarrassing, noting that public infrastructure meant to benefit all is being sabotaged from within.
Public reaction has been fierce and deeply divided. While some residents expressed relief that the suspects were caught, others openly questioned why the alleged thieves were not “dealt with” by the community before being handed over to authorities. Several voices also pointed fingers at a suspected black market network, insisting that those buying stolen solar equipment are the real enablers of the crime and must be tracked down.
“There must be buyers behind this. Arrest them too—they are encouraging this criminal act,” one resident said angrily.
Others lamented what they described as a troubling pattern of self-sabotage: communities complaining about lack of development while simultaneously destroying or stealing public assets provided for their benefit.
Security authorities have urged calm and warned against jungle justice, emphasizing that due process must be followed. They also assured residents that investigations will not only focus on the suspects but may extend to uncover any wider network involved in the theft and resale of the stolen infrastructure.
For now, Bulu-Orua residents remain watchful, hoping this latest arrest will mark a turning point in protecting vital community projects from further destruction.
