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• Millions plunged into darkness as transmission towers collapse
• Power supply disrupted in Bayelsa, parts of Rivers
• TCN engineers mobilize for urgent repairs
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Residents of Bayelsa and Rivers States have been thrown into another round of darkness following the vandalism of four major electricity transmission towers along the Owerri-Ahoada 132kV Double Circuit line.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the development, stating that vandals targeted towers T171 to T174, leading to their collapse at around 6:23 pm on Tuesday, March 11. The damage was discovered after a failed trial reclosure prompted a routine patrol.
According to TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, the incident has severely disrupted power supply to the Ahoada, Gbarain, and Yenagoa 132kV transmission substations, affecting several parts of Rivers State and plunging the entire Bayelsa State into blackout.
A team of engineers, led by TCN's Port Harcourt Regional General Manager, Emmanuel Akpa, has since visited the site to assess the extent of the damage. The company has assured the public that efforts are underway to mobilize materials and personnel for urgent repairs to restore power.
"We condemn this act of vandalism, which continues to undermine efforts to build a stable and reliable transmission grid. We call on host communities to work with us in the fight against vandalism of power infrastructure,” Mbah stated.
This latest attack comes months after Bayelsa residents endured a four-month blackout from July 2024 due to similar vandalism. The power outage had devastating effects on businesses and households, forcing many to rely on expensive fuel-powered generators for electricity.
With this fresh wave of destruction, residents are bracing for another period of prolonged darkness, as authorities race against time to restore power to the affected states.
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