Security Concerns Mount as Vandals Strip Solar Lights from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. 

Security Concerns Mount as Vandals Strip Solar Lights from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Darkness has once again descended on the Longbridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, following the continued removal of solar-powered streetlights installed along the bridge. Reports from Punch Metro indicate that the vandalism, which began months ago, has persisted, leaving the highway increasingly dark at night and raising serious concerns about security and safety in the area.

The Longbridge, a critical part of the expressway connecting Warewa to OPIC/Kara, had previously seen the installation of about 168 solar streetlights in 2025. However, within a few months, these lights began disappearing, with suspected vandals carefully dismantling the fixtures by loosening screws and nuts before carting them away. A follow-up visit on Monday revealed that only about 20 of these lights remained functional roughly three kilometers into the bridge, with most of the other installations stripped or forcibly removed. The vandals targeted stretches of up to 300 meters at a time, and some poles appeared to have been forcibly pulled out of the bridge structure.

Local residents have expressed frustration and concern over the ongoing vandalism. Aminat Adio noted that despite raising alarms earlier, no significant action has been taken to address the situation. She urged authorities to investigate and curb the theft, emphasizing that the situation has worsened over time. Another resident, Bolu Adeogun, attributed the vandalism to the relative absence of pedestrians on the highway, making it easier for vandals to operate without fear of detection. He pointed out that the lights at both ends of the bridge, closer to areas with more human activity, remained untouched.

The darkness has serious security implications, especially given the bridge’s history of criminal activities. It has been a hotspot for hoodlums and criminals targeting motorists, particularly at night. Some residents fear that the absence of lighting could lead to an increase in robberies, kidnapping, and attacks on stranded motorists, echoing past security concerns.

Efforts to curb vandalism have included police patrols and a makeshift police post on the bridge. However, progress has been hampered by setbacks, including a recent police vehicle crash that injured an officer and resulted in reduced patrols. Michael Komolafe, Ogun State’s Federal Controller of Works, acknowledged the police’s challenges but expressed concern over the increasing scope of vandalism. He revealed that while some suspected vandals had been arrested previously, the current situation suggests a growing boldness among perpetrators.

Komolafe emphasized that any plan to replace the vandalized streetlights must include measures to prevent future thefts. He pointed out that efforts to restore the infrastructure are not yet in motion, and prioritized the need for a comprehensive security strategy to safeguard public assets. Without such measures, the cycle of vandalism is likely to continue, further plunging the bridge into darkness and exacerbating security risks in the area.

The ongoing vandalism on the Lagos-Ibadan Longbridge highlights the urgent need for coordinated security and infrastructural measures to restore safety and functionality to this vital highway segment.