For the 3rd time in 2024, vandals attack TCN’s Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Line in Bayelsa, steal one-third of 250mm conductors
… disrupt ongoing repairs of Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Line
In a similar incident, vandals attack 31 towers along 330kV Benin-Egbin, Benin-Omotosho transmission lines
Oredola Adeola
For the third time in 2024, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that vandals targeted its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line in Bayelsa State on November 19, specifically damaging transmission towers 29 to 31 and stealing about one-third of the 250mm conductors, which were already under repair from previous vandalism incidents.
Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, TCN Public Affairs, confirmed this in a statement released on Friday, and obtained by Advisors Reports.
Advisors Reports’ check revealed that the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line has been repeatedly targeted by vandals in recent months.
Notably, two significant incidents had earlier occurred in 2024.
On July 29, vandals destroyed towers T97 to T99, causing a power outage in the Igbooghene community of Bayelsa State.
Then, on August 12, 2024, another attack resulted in the destruction of 13 towers (T52 to T64), with nine towers collapsing entirely and four left standing precariously, cutting off power supply to the state, including TCN’s Yenagoa Sub-station and the Gbarain Power Station.
Additionally, on June 10, vandals targeted the Ahoada Transmission Substation, which supplies electricity to the entire Bayelsa State.
Meanwhile, Mbah explained that a team of TCN engineers, led by Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, has conducted an inspection of the site. Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred at night.
She stated that in an attempt to prevent further theft while repair arrangements are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East LGA to secure the site until repairs are completed.
The spokesperson for the TCN assured that the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line will be energized from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure, while efforts to replace the stolen 250mm conductor are ongoing.
She stated that despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, the restringing of the line is approximately 85% complete.
Mbah also revealed that earlier in November, vandals targeted transmission towers in the Okada and Ofosu communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines, affecting a total of 31 towers.
Advisors Reports recalled that on July 25, Tower T72 along the Benin/Egbin 330kV transmission line, also in Oluku Community, Benin, was vandalised, with the four legs of the tower (B6N) also cut off.
She said, the vandalized towers suffered significant damage, with critical components removed, and were discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine patrol.
According to her, the TCN engineers from the Benin Sub-Region have initiated repairs to prevent the collapse of the affected towers and ensure the continuity of bulk power supply.
Mbah lamented that these incidents highlight the urgent need to address the growing problem of vandalism and theft impacting Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
She further called on the public to support efforts to combat these crimes, urging security operatives and local communities to be more vigilant in protecting power infrastructure, which, according to TCN, has severely hampered the expansion and stability of the national grid.