Vandals Destroy 13 Transmission Towers
By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Some parts of Rivers and Bayelsa states were in blackout following the vandalisation of 13 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuit transmission.
Mr Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) made the disclosure in a statement, highlighting the severe impact this act of vandalism will have on the affected areas.
He urged the governments of Rivers and Bayelsa states to assist in tackling the menace of vandalism of its infrastructure, which has become increasingly frequent and destructive.
This recent attack is particularly concerning as it follows an earlier incident where the same Ahoada-Yenagoa transmission line was targeted.
According to him,TCN had recently awarded a contract for the reinforcement of towers 19-31 along the Ahoada-Yenagoa line to address previous damages
However, the destruction of these additional thirteen towers presents a significant setback to the company’s efforts to maintain reliable power supply.
“The damaged towers are spread across several communities, including Okobe in Ahoada East, Emezhi 1 in Ahoada West, and Mbiama in Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, as well as the Igbogene community in Bayelsa state.
“Due to the extensive damage and the ongoing repairs to previously vandalized structures, TCN has warned that it could take several months to rebuild and restore the affected transmission lines, leaving parts of Rivers and Bayelsa in prolonged darkness,” Mbah added.
He called for increased collaboration between security agencies and local communities to protect critical electricity infrastructure from further attacks.
Mbah noted that such partnerships are vital to ensuring the stability of power supply in the region and across Nigeria.
