A major blackout looms in Rivers and Bayelsa after vandals destroy TCN towers, threatening the region’s electricity supply.
Vandals destroyed thirteen transmission towers, which will result in residents of certain areas within Rivers and Bayelsa states enduring several months without power.
The Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuits, an essential component of the area’s power supply, consisted of towers that are owned by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, emphasized the significant negative consequences that will result from this destructive act for the areas affected.
The TCN has called on the authorities in Rivers and Bayelsa states to provide aid in addressing the escalating damage to its infrastructure, which is becoming more frequent and damaging.
The latest assault is especially worrisome because it comes after a prior occurrence where the Ahoada-Yenagoa transmission line was aimed at.
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TCN had awarded a reinforced tower contract for towers 19-31 along the Ahoada-Yenagoa line to mitigate prior damages. Nevertheless, the destruction of these extra thirteen towers is an enormous setback towards maintaining dependable power supply efforts by the company.
Several communities in Rivers State, namely Okobe in Ahoada East, Emezhi 1 and Mbiama both located in Ahoada West Local Government Areas have damaged towers. Additionally, the Igbogene community situated within Bayelsa State also has affected structures.
TCN has cautioned that the restoration of damaged transmission lines could take several months, thereby leaving sections of Rivers and Bayelsa without power for an extended period. This is due to extensive destruction and ongoing repairs on previously vandalized structures.
TCN is advocating for greater cooperation between security agencies and local communities in safeguarding critical electricity infrastructure against future attacks. The company has stressed the significance of these partnerships in establishing a dependable power supply throughout Nigeria and the region.
