Universal Times

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the destruction of two critical transmission towers, T98 and T99, along the Ahoada/Yenagoa 132kV line in the Igbooghene community of Bayelsa State. The incident, attributed to vandalism, has resulted in significant power outages across the region, affecting crucial infrastructure and leaving the entirety of Bayelsa State without power supply.

According to Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, TCN's General Manager of Public Affairs, the collapse of the towers has disrupted power supply to the Yenagoa Sub-station and the Gbarain Power Station, leading to a complete blackout in Yenagoa Metropolis and the entire Bayelsa State. Mbah revealed that TCN engineers, led by Mr Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of Transmission for the Port Harcourt Region, have inspected the site alongside operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) to assess the damage and develop a plan for reconstruction.

The destruction of the transmission towers is a devastating blow to the region, which relies heavily on the power supply for economic and social activities. The power outages have not only affected residential areas but also critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and businesses. The incident has also raised concerns about the security of Nigeria's power infrastructure and the need for increased protection against vandalism and sabotage.

TCN has assured that plans are already underway to mobilize a contractor on an emergency basis to reconstruct the collapsed towers. The company is working tirelessly to restore power supply to the affected areas as soon as possible. In the meantime, residents of Bayelsa State are advised to be patient and bear with the situation as TCN works to resolve the issue.

The incident highlights the importance of protecting Nigeria's power infrastructure from vandalism and sabotage. TCN has appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities around power installations to the authorities. The company is also working with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators of the vandalism are brought to justice.

In conclusion, the destruction of the transmission towers in Bayelsa State is a significant setback for the region, but TCN is working hard to restore power supply as soon as possible. The incident highlights the need for increased protection of Nigeria's power infrastructure and the importance of public vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.