The Federal Government has strongly criticized the intentional act of sabotage by vandals targeting power transmission towers, causing a significant power outage in Borno and Yobe states. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported over the weekend that two critical transmission towers were vandalized, impacting electricity supply in parts of the North East.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, involved the deliberate targeting of tower T372 near Katsaita Village in Yobe State, leading to the collapse of the 330kV transmission tower. This resulted in the adjacent tower T373 falling along the same line.
Expressing concern over the attacks on power infrastructure, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced that the government has initiated an investigation to identify those responsible for the sabotage. The Minister conveyed his deep distress about the deliberate act of vandalism, emphasizing the disruptive consequences on power supply to the affected regions.
In a statement shared on his verified social media account, Adelabu condemned the sabotage and called on all Nigerians to stand against such actions. He assured that individuals found accountable for the act will face legal consequences.
Adelabu stated, “Our Ministry is working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate this incident thoroughly. Those responsible for this destructive act will face the full force of the law. Vandalism not only disrupts power supply but also poses a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities.”
The Minister clarified that the incident involved the deliberate use of explosives on the transmission tower, with villagers confirming hearing a loud explosion before the towers collapsed. He affirmed that the government is actively engaged in efforts to restore electricity supply to Yobe and Borno states.
Adelabu highlighted the swift mobilization of resources to reconstruct the damaged transmission towers, making it a priority to restore power supply to the affected areas. He stressed that the government aims not only to address the immediate power outage but also to send a strong message that acts of sabotage will not go unpunished.
Furthermore, the Minister emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance the security of power facilities nationwide and the development of legislation to tackle the menace of vandalism.
