The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that 31 electricity transmission towers in Edo State were destroyed by vandals. According to Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s Director of Public Affairs, the attacks targeted the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho lines in the Okada and Ofosu communities. The incident was confirmed after TCN engineers discovered the damage during a routine patrol.
Mbah explained that the towers, which had already been stripped of critical components earlier in November, were found to be heavily affected. She stated, “A total of 31 towers were impacted, and TCN engineers from the Benin Sub-Region are working to repair them to prevent further damage and ensure uninterrupted power supply.”
This attack follows an earlier incident on the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which was targeted by vandals on November 19. The attack damaged towers 29 to 31 and resulted in the theft of about a third of the conductor. The Ahoada-Yenagoa line has faced repeated vandalism, with TCN reporting major power outages in Bayelsa State after 13 transmission towers were destroyed along the line in August.
In response to the latest attack, Mbah mentioned that TCN engineers, led by Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, have inspected the damage. “Preliminary investigations show the attack occurred at night. Local security is being deployed to protect the site until repairs are completed,” she added. To minimize disruptions, the line will be energized from the Ahoada end temporarily.
Despite challenges such as difficult terrain and flooding, TCN is working to replace the stolen 250mm conductor, with around 85 percent of the restringing completed.
Mbah stressed the urgent need to address the ongoing theft and vandalism, which continues to harm Nigeria’s power infrastructure. She urged local communities and security forces to join efforts to protect vital power installations, emphasizing the damage these criminal acts cause to the national grid’s stability and expansion.
TCN reiterated its commitment to safeguarding its infrastructure and called on the public for cooperation in combating vandalism.
