Bayelsa State, particularly its capital Yenagoa and surrounding areas, has been plunged into a prolonged blackout due to the actions of suspected vandals. The latest damage involves 13 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuit transmission line, further complicating efforts to restore power in the region.
For the past three weeks, the residents of Yenagoa have been without electricity after vandals initially targeted transmission towers at the Igbogene axis. Despite assurances from the state government, including the Commissioner for Power, Kharin Akari Komuko, and the Managing Director of Bayelsa Electricity Company, Olice Kemenanabo, the situation has deteriorated due to the recent vandalism.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) revealed that 13 towers, from T52 to T64, were affected. Nine towers were destroyed, and four others are at risk of collapsing. This development was reported by the Youth President of Ukpeli Community in Rivers State and confirmed by TCN’s General Manager in Port Harcourt, Engr. Emmanuel.
In response, TCN’s MD/CEO, Sule Abdulaziz, described the incident as a national disaster and called for assistance from both Rivers and Bayelsa State governments to combat the growing trend of vandalism. The latest attack comes on the heels of ongoing repairs to towers T97 to T99, which were also vandalized recently.
With the scale of destruction, TCN has indicated that it will take several months to rebuild and reconnect the damaged towers, delaying power restoration to Bayelsa.
In the meantime, Bayelsa’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has issued a stern warning to those responsible, promising strict prosecution for any individuals or groups found sabotaging the state’s electricity infrastructure.
