The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Port Harcourt has called on the Governors of Bayelsa and Rivers States to address the escalating issue of vandalism and theft of transmission lines. This urgent plea follows the recent destruction of 13 transmission towers, exacerbating the blackout that has plunged Bayelsa State into darkness for nearly three weeks.
The Owerri-Ahoada-Yenagoa 132KV double circuit transmission lines, vital for supplying electricity to Bayelsa, were severely damaged, leading to significant power outages. The TCN confirmed that the vandalized towers are located in several communities across Rivers and Bayelsa States, including Okobe, Emezhi 1, Mbiama, and Igbogene.
The incident, which was first reported by the Youth President of Ukpeli Community in Rivers State, has been described as a “national disaster” by TCN’s Managing Director, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz. He stressed the critical need for state governments and security agencies to collaborate with TCN to curb the rising cases of vandalism, which have become overwhelming.
According to Abdulaziz, the recent damage adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the TCN, which is already working to repair previously vandalized towers on the same line route. Despite these efforts, the latest destruction is expected to delay the restoration of power to Bayelsa for several more months.
The TCN has once again appealed for the support of security operatives, traditional rulers, and all stakeholders in the fight against the sabotage of power infrastructure.
