The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported significant damage to its infrastructure following the vandalism of two transmission towers along the Ahoada/Yenagoa 132kV line. The affected towers, known as T98 and T99, are located in the Igbooghene community of Bayelsa state.
According to a statement released by TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah on Friday, the vandalism led to the collapse of both towers. This incident has resulted in a complete loss of power supply to Bayelsa, affecting key facilities such as TCN’s Yenagoa sub-station and the Gbarain power station, interruption in electricity supply has affected homes, businesses, and critical services throughout the region. TCN has reported that engineers, led by Emmanuel Akpa, the general manager responsible for transmission in the Port Harcourt region, along with operatives from the State Security Service (SSS), conducted an inspection of the damaged towers.
In response to the situation, TCN has initiated emergency plans to address the issue. The company is working to quickly mobilize a contractor who will be tasked with reconstructing the collapsed towers. This move is part of a broader effort to restore power and prevent further disruptions to the electricity supply in the affected areas.
This incident is not an isolated case. TCN highlighted previous instances of vandalism affecting its infrastructure. On June 16, an individual was apprehended for damaging tower T238 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV double circuit transmission lines. Additionally, another act of vandalism occurred on June 10 at the Ahoada Transmission Substation. These repeated acts of vandalism have raised serious concerns about the security and integrity of the nation’s power infrastructure.
The company has called on the public to support efforts in combating the vandalism of power infrastructure across the country. TCN emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting critical facilities and ensuring the stability of the power grid.
To address the ongoing issue, TCN plans to enhance its collaboration with security agencies and local communities. This includes continued cooperation with the SSS and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to bolster security measures and prevent future incidents of vandalism.
“We are engaging with stakeholders, including security operatives in Yenagoa, to implement additional initiatives aimed at helping TCN manage and mitigate the issue of vandalism within the state,” the company stated.
TCN also noted that as it works towards building a more robust power grid, it is crucial to address the financial implications of vandalism. The company pointed out that funds intended for expanding and improving infrastructure are often redirected to replace damaged equipment, which hampers the efficient growth of the nation’s power sector.
The ongoing challenge of protecting power infrastructure underscores the need for enhanced security measures and public awareness to safeguard critical assets and ensure a reliable power supply for all citizens.
