By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the collapse of five transmission towers along the Ikot Abasi – Eket 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line as a result of severe vandalism.
The Management of the company, in a statement in Abuja, indicated that the extensive damage was discovered during a routine joint line patrol conducted on by TCN linesmen.
Preliminary assessment indicated that critical structural bracing members were removed from Towers N9, N10, N11, N12, N13, and N15, resulting in the collapse of five towers.
Further inspection revealed that structural members from seven additional towers along the same transmission corridor had also been removed and stolen. These towers are now structurally compromised and pose a risk of further collapse.
To mitigate the impact on electricity supply, the company said the network has been reconfigured to prioritize supply from Ibom Power.
TCN Management said it has commenced mobilizing an urgent intervention to complete the reconstruction of the affected sections of the line. Security agencies have also been notified to aid investigations and prevent further acts of vandalism along the line route.
It condemned the act of sabotage and reiterated the commitment to working hard to maintain a robust and reliable national grid.
