{
  "id": 9041059,
  "title": "Darkness hits Lagos-Ibadan Longbridge as more streetlights disappear",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/darkness-hits-lagos-ibadan-longbridge-as-more-streetlights-disappear",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T00:22:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/darkness-hits-lagos-ibadan-longbridge-as-more-streetlights-disappear/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Longbridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has once again plunged into darkness as more solar-powered streetlights have disappeared, PUNCH Metro reported. The incident occurred weeks after 168 solar-powered streetlights were removed by suspected vandals. A recent visit to the bridge revealed that some remaining installations had also been taken down, leaving only a few streetlights still operational along the route. The Longbridge spans the Warewa and OPIC/Kara ends of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Residents expressed concern over the return of darkness, with some residents noting that the vandals seem to target the highway at night when pedestrian activity is minimal. The Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Michael Komolafe, acknowledged the vandalism and expressed concern about the diminishing police presence on the bridge, which he believes has contributed to the ongoing issue. No immediate plan has been confirmed for the replacement of the vandalized streetlights, with Komolafe emphasizing the need for measures to prevent further vandalism.",
  "summary": "Darkness has returned to the Longbridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as suspected vandals have removed more solar-powered streetlights, raising security Read More: https://punchng.com/darkness-hits-lagos-ibadan-longbridge-as-more-streetlights-disappear/",
  "key_points": [
    "Longbridge section of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway plunged into darkness again",
    "168 solar-powered streetlights removed by suspected vandals previously",
    "Residents alarmed as remaining installations also vandalized"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Residents face increased risk and decreased safety at night as the Longbridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway falls into darkness due to continued streetlight vandalism with no immediate replacement plan in sight.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}