Blackout Hits Rivers, Bayelsa as TCN Cites Vandalism

Residents of Rivers and Bayelsa states face potential months of blackout following the destruction of thirteen Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuits. The damage was confirmed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, in a statement released on Wednesday.

The vandalism, which has already impacted the Ahoada-Yenagoa transmission line before, has intensified with this latest attack. TCN is calling on the Rivers and Bayelsa state governments to help combat the escalating vandalism, which has reached alarming levels.

TCN recently awarded a contract for reinforcing towers 19-31 on the Ahoada-Yenagoa line, where previous damage had already occurred. However, the new destruction of thirteen additional towers poses a substantial setback.

The affected towers are situated in several communities, including Okobe, Emezhi 1, and Mbiama in Rivers State, and Igbogene in Bayelsa State. The extent of the damage, combined with ongoing repairs to previously vandalized towers, suggests that it could take several months to restore power to the affected areas.

TCN is urging for increased collaboration among security forces and local communities to address the rising issue of vandalism against critical electricity infrastructure.