Vandals Cripple Power Supply in Bayelsa, Rivers as TCN Towers Collapse

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the collapse of four high-voltage transmission towers along the Owerri-Ahoada 132kV Double Circuit line, following a devastating act of vandalism.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s spokesperson, revealed in a Thursday statement that towers T171 to T174 were found destroyed after a failed reclosure attempt prompted an inspection. The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:23 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, has left Bayelsa State and parts of Rivers State in a total blackout.

TCN disclosed that the destruction crippled the Ahoada, Gbarain, and Yenagoa 132kV transmission substations, severely disrupting electricity supply in the affected areas.

A team of engineers, led by Engr. Emmanuel Apka, General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, has been deployed to assess the damage. Meanwhile, frantic efforts are underway to mobilize resources and expedite repairs to restore bulk power transmission.

Condemning the attack, TCN urged local communities to assist in safeguarding critical power infrastructure, warning that continued vandalism threatens the stability of Nigeria’s power grid.