By Adedapo Adesanya
Vandals have struck and thwarted ongoing repairs of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Line and also stole tower components from Benin-Egbin, and Benin-Omotosho 330kV transmission lines, further worsening challenges already facing the Nigerian electricity sector.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in a statement signed by Mrs Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs at the company said the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which is currently under repair due to previous vandalism, was again targeted by vandals on November 19, 2024.
The attack, which affected towers 29 to 31, resulted in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor.
Nigeria’s electricity sector has been under duress in recent times and the ability to generate electricity has been challenging amid underinvestment and policy misdirections. With less than 5,000MW generated, transmission has also been a huge challenge.
The statement also revealed that a team of TCN engineers, led by Engineer Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, has conducted an inspection of the site.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred at night. In an attempt to prevent further theft while repair arrangements are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East LGA to secure the site until repairs are completed,” the statement read.
It added that the line will be energised from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure.
“Efforts to replace the stolen 250mm conductor are currently underway. Despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, the restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is approximately 85 per cent complete,” it added.
This came after vandals also attacked transmission towers in the Okada and Ofosu Communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines earlier this month.
The TCN said a total of 31 towers were affected in this incident.
“The vandalized towers which suffered significant damage, with critical components removed, were discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine patrol,” TCN said.
TCN said engineers from the Benin sub-region have initiated repairs to prevent the collapse of the affected towers and to avoid disruption of the bulk power supply.
“These incidents underscore the urgent need to combat the growing problem of vandalism and theft affecting Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
“TCN calls on the public to support efforts to address these crimes, which have significantly hampered the expansion and stability of the national grid.
“As TCN intensifies its efforts to protect installations, we appeal to security operatives and local communities to be more vigilant in safeguarding power infrastructure in their areas,” the statement added.
Modupe Gbadeyanka