By Amaka Okafor
The Transmission Company of Nigeria has warned residents of Ezza Umuhuali, Ezillo and Nkalagu communities in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State against vandalizing critical power infrastructure, describing the act as a threat to national development, public safety and electricity supply.
The General Manager, Transmission, Enugu Region, Dr. Thomas Inugonum, gave the warning on Thursday during a sensitization programme held at the Ezza Umuhuali Town Hall.
Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and journalists, Dr. Inugonum said the programme was designed to strengthen collaboration between TCN and host communities in protecting transmission facilities passing through the area.
He identified major threats to transmission infrastructure as vandalism of 330kV and 132kV installations, illegal structures within transmission rights-of-way, excavation around tower foundations, trading and residential activities beneath transmission lines, and bush burning near tower bases.
According to him, vandalism of transmission facilities has become a growing concern nationwide, resulting in power outages, economic losses and serious threats to human lives.
Dr. Inugonum recalled that in July 2025, an alleged vandal was electrocuted while attempting to dismantle Tower 34 along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV transmission line in Ezillo. He said the suspect died instantly, while his accomplices escaped.
He also cited another incident on May 9, 2026, when community vigilantes and youths in Ezza Umuhuali apprehended two suspected vandals accused of removing tower members from Towers T15, T16 and T17 along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV single-circuit transmission line.
He lamented that the stolen tower components, worth millions of naira, were sold to illegal scrap dealers at insignificant prices.
The TCN official warned that continued vandalism could lead to the collapse of transmission towers, widespread blackouts and the diversion of government resources from new power projects to rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
He further disclosed that TCN recently recorded the destruction of six transmission towers along the Lafia–Api transmission line, with another nine towers vandalized days later.
According to him, each transmission tower costs about 330,000 US dollars to procure and install, making vandalism a huge financial burden on government and taxpayers.
Dr. Inugonum also warned against constructing houses, markets and other structures within transmission rights-of-way, explaining that the statutory clearance is 15 metres on either side of a 132kV line and 25 metres on either side of a 330kV line.
He noted that living or conducting business under transmission lines exposes residents to serious safety hazards, including the risk of electrocution in the event of line failures.
The General Manager urged residents to report suspicious activities around TCN installations to the company, the NSCDC or the police, while appealing to traditional rulers and community leaders to educate youths on the dangers of vandalism and support efforts to safeguard critical national assets.
Responding, the Traditional Ruler of Ezza Umuhuali Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Patrick Nwafor Udoku, commended TCN for bringing the sensitization campaign to the community.
The monarch, who identified himself as an electrical engineer, said the programme would help save lives and prevent future incidents. He pledged the community’s full support in protecting transmission infrastructure and assisting security agencies in identifying and prosecuting vandals.
Also speaking, the President General of Ezza Umuhuali Town Union, Chief Solomon Nweke, attributed the successful arrest of suspected vandals to the vigilance of local security operatives under the leadership of the traditional ruler.
He called on TCN to sustain its collaboration with community leaders and strengthen support for local
