Residents in parts of Rivers and Bayelsa states are facing the possibility of months without electricity after vandals destroyed 13 transmission towers. These towers were part of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV Double Circuits, which played a critical role in delivering power to the region.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that the vandalism occurred in several communities across Rivers and Bayelsa states, including Okobe in Ahoada East, Emezhi 1 and Mbiama in Ahoada West, as well as the Igbogene community in Bayelsa.

This isn’t the first time the towers have been targeted. TCN had already begun work on reinforcing several towers that were previously damaged. However, with this new wave of vandalism, the situation has become much more serious, leaving many areas without power and putting additional strain on ongoing repair efforts.

TCN has warned that the restoration of these towers and the power lines will take several months to complete, due to the significant extent of the damage. Communities in these areas should be prepared for prolonged power outages as a result.

In response to this crisis, TCN has called on local governments, security forces, and the affected communities to help address the alarming rise in vandalism. They have asked for increased security measures to protect critical power infrastructure and to prevent further attacks.

This rise in vandalism is creating severe setbacks for electricity supply in the region, affecting households, businesses, and local economies. As TCN works on repairs, the company is urging everyone to collaborate in stopping these destructive acts so that power can be restored more swiftly and reliably.