Several communities in Akwa Ibom State have been plunged into darkness after vandals dismantled a key transmission line belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
In a statement on Wednesday, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said Tower T35 along the Eket–Ikot Abasi 132kV transmission line collapsed on October 12 due to vandalism.
An inspection team from TCN’s Lines Department visited the site in Ete Community and discovered several dismantled tower parts on the ground.
“A closer investigation revealed that additional tower members had been removed from the fallen tower and carted away. The team also observed that Towers T7, T33, and T34 had been tampered with,” the statement read.
The development has disrupted bulk power supply to the Eket and Ekim 132/33kV Transmission Substations, as well as the Ibom Power Station.
As a result, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company is unable to supply electricity to customers in Eket and Ekim towns.
TCN said it has begun mobilising materials and resources to rebuild and restore the affected transmission line as quickly as possible.
It described vandalism as a serious threat to the stability of Nigeria’s power network and urged residents to be alert and report suspicious activities near power installations.
“The fight against vandalism of power infrastructure is a collective responsibility. We call on all stakeholders to join hands in protecting these critical national assets from further attacks,” TCN said.
