The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said that 31 transmission towers in Benin, Edo state have been destroyed by vandals.
This comes as the latest in attacks on the nation’s electricity infrastructure.
TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, in a statement on Friday, said vandals attacked transmission towers in Okada and Ofosu communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines.
Mbah said the vandalised towers, which suffered significant damage with critical components removed earlier in November, were discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine patrol.
“A total of 31 towers were affected in this incident,” she said.
“TCN engineers from the Benin Sub-Region have initiated repairs to prevent the collapse of the affected towers and to avoid disruption of bulk power supply.”
Mbah also said its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which was under repair following a previous attack, was once again targeted by vandals.
The TCN spokesperson confirmed that the attack, which occurred on November 19, affected towers 29 to 31 and resulted in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor.
On August 14, TCN announced that Bayelsa state would face a prolonged power outage following the destruction of 13 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV double circuit transmission line by vandals.
The transmission company, on October 29, reported that 65 percent of the damaged transmission towers had been repaired.
The company said 17 transmission towers had been successfully erected, with work continuing on the remaining three.
“A team of TCN engineers, led by Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, has conducted an inspection of the site,” the statement reads.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred at night. In an attempt to prevent further theft while repair arrangements are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East LGA to secure the site until repairs are completed.
“Additionally, the line will be energized from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure.”
Mbah added that efforts are underway to replace the stolen 250mm conductor.
Despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, she said the restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is approximately 85 percent complete.
Mbah stressed that the incidents underscore the urgent need to address the growing problem of vandalism and theft, which continue to affect Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
 has said that 31 transmission towers in Benin, Edo state have been destroyed by vandals.){kind=link}