by Nurat Uthman
The Transmission Company of Nigeria has successfully repaired and erected 13 out of the 16 transmission towers destroyed by vandals along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line.
This is according to a post on the company’s X handle on Thursday.
This development was revealed by the General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Akpa, during a meeting with the Secretary to the State Government of Bayelsa, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on September 12.
Akpa expressed deep regret over the vandalism, which has severely impacted Bayelsa State’s electricity supply and burdened TCN with significant financial losses.
“We’re pained that this act has put the good people of Bayelsa into untold hardship and has equally plunged TCN into huge financial debt,” Akpa said.
He further described the extent of the destruction as unprecedented in his long career.
“In my 33 years of service, I have never seen this kind of colossal damage. It should be a national concern. Although vandalism is recorded across the country, the rate in this area is alarming,” Akpa stated.
To prevent future occurrences, Akpa called for increased collaboration between the state government and community leaders, urging them to take greater responsibility for protecting infrastructure within their areas.
He appealed to the Bayelsa State government to “decisively address this issue to forestall future occurrences.”
The Assistant General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Sub-Region, Benneth Ezemobi provided additional updates, noting that a local vigilante group had been engaged to secure the ongoing repairs.
He disclosed that two vandals had already been apprehended for tampering with the newly rebuilt towers.
Ezemobi emphasised the importance of securing the area to ensure the smooth completion of repairs and the restoration of bulk power to Bayelsa State.
In response, Ayawei reaffirmed the state’s commitment to safeguarding the transmission towers. He announced that Bayelsa would deploy heavy security personnel and implement technology-based surveillance, including the procurement of internet cameras, to monitor high-risk areas.
“Power is too critical, and without it, our job as a government is incomplete,” Ayawei remarked.
He highlighted the impact of the vandalism on small businesses such as barbers and ice block sellers.
In a related development, TCN and the Bayelsa State government have agreed to establish a new work center in Yenagoa. The center will enhance bulk power transmission and reduce downtime in the event of future faults.
