The Transmission Company of Nigeria has reported a major power outage in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State after suspected vandals attacked one of its transmission towers.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 21, 2024, around 1:44 am.
In a statement on Sunday, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, explained that the vandals damaged Tower No. T372 on the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri 330kV transmission line.
“The vandals cut off all four tower footings, leading to the collapse of the tower,” Mbah said. This disruption has affected power supply to Damaturu and surrounding areas, including Maiduguri in Borno State.
To address the blackout, TCN is making efforts to provide temporary power to Damaturu through a 33kV transmission line from Potiskum. Meanwhile, Maiduguri will be powered by the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).
Mbah stated, “Efforts are ongoing by TCN’s engineers to restore power to the affected areas as quickly as possible.” She added that work will begin immediately to dismantle the damaged tower and reconstruct the transmission line.
The TCN urged citizens to be vigilant and help protect the country’s infrastructure, saying, “We enjoin citizens to report suspicious activities or individuals around our transmission infrastructure to law enforcement agents or nearby TCN offices.”
TCN assured the public that it is committed to restoring power to the affected areas as quickly as possible.
