The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced on Sunday that suspected vandals had targeted its transmission line supplying power to Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
In a statement, Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, explained that the vandals brought down tower No. T372 on the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri 330kV transmission line. The incident occurred on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at approximately 1:44 a.m.
TCN stated “the development has thrown the whole of Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, up to Maiduguri in Borno State out of power supply.
“This time, the vandals cut off all four tower footings, resulting in the collapse of tower T372 along the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri section, which was discovered by TCN’s linesmen deployed on emergency patrol.
“Following this destructive attack, the effort is ongoing by TCN’s engineers in the interim, to back feed Damaturu through a 33kV transmission line from Potiskum, while Maiduguri town will be fed from the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP)”.
The company further stated that efforts would begin immediately to dismantle and remove the collapsed tower in preparation for its reconstruction and the restoration of the transmission line.
TCN condemned the “incessant attacks on our collective national assets” and urged citizens to remain vigilant in safeguarding these infrastructures. They also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals near transmission facilities to law enforcement agencies or nearby TCN offices.
“TCN is committed to a quick restoration of bulk power to the affected areas and will expedite reconstruction work on the tower to ensure that it is completed as soon as possible”, Mbah stated.
