Vandals Throw Rivers, Bayelsa Into Darkness
….destroy 4 electricity towers along Owerri-Ahoada line
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says four of its towers along Owerri-Ahoada 132kV Double Circuit line have been vandalized, resulting in their collapse.
“The affected towers, T171 to T174, were compromised, which led to their collapse at approximately 6:23 pm on Tuesday, 11th March. The towers were discovered after a failed trial reclosure that prompted a subsequent patrol,” the TCN said in a statement on Thursday.
The statement signed by TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said investigation confirmed that the towers’ collapse was a direct result of vandalism.
“This incident has disrupted power supply to the Ahoda, Gbarain, and Yenagoa 132kV transmission substations, affecting some parts of Rivers State and the entire Bayelsa State.
“A team of engineers, led by the General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, Engr. Emmanuel Apka has visited the site to assess the extent of the damage.
“TCN is making frantic effort to mobilize personnel and materials for the repair of the vandalized towers so that the bulk power supply can be restored to the affected states.
“We condemn this act of vandalism, which continues to undermine efforts made to put in place a robust transmission grid.
“We are again calling on host communities to join us in the urgent fight against the vandalism of power infrastructure.”
