Suspected electricity vandals have escalated their attacks on the nation’s capital city, Abuja, reportedly bombing the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Tower 70 along the 330KV Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line in the Federal Capital Territory.
This alarming incident has significantly diminished the flexibility of bulk power supply and reduced the volume of power into Abuja by 250MW, as stated by TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah.
According to Ndidi, the incident occurred around 11:32 pm on February 26, compelling the company to dispatch a patrol team after an unsuccessful attempt to reclose the power trip at the Gwagwalada Substation.
She noted that the tower is currently standing precariously with support from conductors.
“The sad incident occurred on the 26th of February, 2024, at about 11.32 pm. At the said time, the Gwagwalada – Katampe Transmission line tripped at Gwagwalada Transmission Substation and trial reclosure by TCN Operators failed, necessitating a physical patrol of the line.
“The TCN lines and patrol team discovered that the four (4) tower footings of Tower 70 were bombed, destroying the tower legs and causing the tower to stand on the ground, supported by conductors.”
Mbah disclosed that the company had mobilised to the location for emergency repairs while calling for vigilance on the part of citizens .
“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 all power equipment to security operatives or to the nearest TCN offices nationwide.”
