TCN Launches Campaign Against Power Installation Vandalism

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) undertook a community sensitization campaign in Umuhuali, Ezillo, and Nkalagu in Ebonyi State to combat the rising incidents of vandalism affecting power installations. Dr. Thomas Inugonum, the General Manager of TCN's Enugu Region, led the initiative aimed at fostering a stronger relationship with host communities.

He outlined five critical areas requiring immediate community intervention, including the dangers posed by vandalism to 330kV and 132kV high voltage power lines, the erection of illegal structures within TCN's right-of-way, and the excavation of soil around transmission tower bases. Inugonum noted the risks associated with burning waste materials beneath transmission lines.

He expressed confidence that similar sensitization efforts in Makurdi, Benue State, and Agbogugu, Enugu State, had yielded positive outcomes. Furthermore, he recalled a tragic incident in Ezillo, where an unidentified vandal attempted to vandalize a tower, resulting in an electrocution incident affecting the 34 Nkalagu-Abakaliki 132kV transmission line.

Solomon Nweke, representing the community, attributed recent arrests of suspects to alerts from local vigilant community leaders.