By Victoria Onyisi
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Sunday blamed the current electricity loss in the country to activities of vandalism and insurgents who willifully destroyed two of its transmission towers: T377 and T378.
While Nigerians are yet to get reprieve on the restoration of power supply over the weekend as at the time of going to press, the company further explained that the two towers pulled down are situated along the Gombe-Damaturu 330kV transmission line.
Spokesperson for the Company, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, in a statement made available to the media, admitted that: “This act, perpetrated by insurgents resulted in a load loss of approximately 5MW.
“At approximately 9:35PM yesterday, the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line experienced a trip.
“Following initial checks, she said, TCN engineers from the Bauchi regional office attempted the restoration of the line but it tripped again, prompting the dispatch of TCN’s linesmen and security operatives to trace the fault. The team, then discovered the two collapsed towers, T377 and T378.” She said.
However, in the interim, she said TCN has arranged to temporarily supply electricity to Damaturu from the Potiskum Transmission Substation.
The General Manager, added: “Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to mobilize contractors that will re-erect the vandalized transmission towers and restring the 330kV line affected by the incident.
“TCN condemns this act of sabotage and is again calling on relevant authorities to intensify efforts in the protection of power infrastructures.
“We are committed to working diligently to expedite the restoration process and minimize the impact of this unfortunate incident on power supply to the affected areas.”