Vandalism Leaves Key Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Darkness as 168 Streetlights Stolen

Residents and motorists traversing the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are sounding the alarm following the alarming theft of more than 168 solar-powered streetlights along the critical five-kilometre Longbridge section of the highway. This act of vandalism has plunged several areas, including Warewa, Wawa, Arepo, and Magboro, into darkness, igniting fears over personal safety and security, particularly during nighttime travel.

The solar-powered streetlights, installed in 2025 as part of a broader initiative to enhance visibility and address security issues along this busy transport corridor, have fallen victim to systematic theft. Reports indicate that many of the light poles, LED fixtures, and solar panels have been removed, leaving significant stretches of the highway unlit and vulnerable to criminal activities.

Residents are voicing their concerns that the renewed darkness could potentially provide cover for criminals, placing stranded motorists at greater risk of attack. With the absence of lighting, stalled vehicles and road debris become hazardous, making it difficult for drivers to navigate safely at high speeds. “We’re back in the dark ages,” lamented Mr. Nelson Ekujumi, a local public interest analyst, who condemned the vandalism of public infrastructure.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is not only a vital transport corridor linking Lagos to other parts of Nigeria but also serves as a major route for commuters, commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks on a daily basis. The escalating incidents of vandalism pose a significant threat to public safety and could undermine efforts to ensure safer travel along this key highway.