From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Residents of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been plunged into darkness following the vandalism of 330kV Gwagwalada -Katampe Transmission line by bandits.
In a statement, the General Manager, Public Affairs of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mrs Ndidi Mbah said that the incident occurred on February 26, 2024, about 11.32 pm.
“At the said time, the Gwagwalada – Katampe Transmission line tripped at Gwagwalada Transmission Substation and trial reclosure by the TCN operators failed, necessitating a physical patrol of the line.
“The TCN lines and patrol team discovered that the four tower footings of Tower 70 were vandalised, destroying the tower legs and causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors” she said.
According to her, the incident has reduced bulk power supply flexibility and the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW.
Meanwhile, TCN has mobilised to the site of the incident and has commenced an emergency repair of the damaged tower and its associated equipment.
“We reiterate the need for vigilance in the fight against vandalism of power equipment. It is important that we report suspicious movements around power equipment to security operatives or to the nearest TCN offices nationwide.
Recall that the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu had earlier mobilised Nigeria Security Agency (NSA) to secure the power assets and infrastructure across the country.
He regretted that in addition to ageing infrastructure and inefficiency of the distribution companies, some unscrupulous Nigerians do not want the sector to work.
“They are determined to deliberately destroy the transmission power assets. We have spoken with NSA to protect these assets,” Adelabu stated.