The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a decrease in power supply in Gombe due to the vandalism and destruction of two of its transmission towers, T377 and T378, along the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line on February 23, 2024.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, it was revealed that vandals attacked the facility around 9:35 PM on Friday, resulting in a disruption of the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line.
TCN engineers from the Bauchi regional office initially attempted to restore the line, but it tripped again. This led to the deployment of linesmen and security personnel to locate the fault, which ultimately revealed the collapse of the two towers, T377 and T378.
To mitigate the situation in the interim, TCN has made arrangements to supply electricity temporarily to Damaturu from the Potiskum Transmission Substation.
Mbah stated, “Meanwhile, plans are in motion to mobilize contractors for the reconstruction of the vandalized transmission towers and to repair the affected 330kV line.”
TCN has strongly condemned this act of sabotage and is urging relevant authorities to intensify efforts to protect power infrastructures.
“We are dedicated to working diligently to expedite the restoration process and minimize the impact of this regrettable incident on power supply to the affected regions,” the statement emphasized.
This incident adds to recent challenges of low power supply experienced across the country, largely due to either partial or total collapses of the national grid.