Bandits on Tuesday attacked the site of the ongoing construction of the 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State.
The bandits, shooting sporadically, destroyed a 150MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer, causing a significant setback to the government’s efforts to increase power generation.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) disclosed the latest development in a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, in Abuja on Wednesday.
She stated the attack by the bandits occurred on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at approximately 11:55 pm.
The new Obajana Transmission Substation, which is projected to be a 1X150MVA 330/132/33kV substation, is expected to considerably improve electricity supply to Kogi State and nearby areas when completed.
The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria announces that armed men invaded the construction site of its ongoing 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State.
“The attack occurred on the night of November 12, 2024, at approximately 11:55 pm.
“According to reports from security personnel at the site, the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, causing the guards to flee.
“During the attack, a 150MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer, already positioned on its plinth, was struck, resulting in a burst radiator.”
She added that the company, in response to the bandits’ attack, had commenced an evaluation of the damaged equipment.
She said, “In response to the incident, TCN is evaluating the level of damage in collaboration with the contractor managing the project.
“This incident is part of a broader pattern of vandalism targeting transmission infrastructure across the country.”
Last Sunday, the TCN expressed concern over the increasing trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers, thus severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure.
This concern comes on the heels of a fresh attack on its 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line one, with the vandals damaging transmission towers T306, T307, and T308.
“The growing trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers has become a serious challenge, severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure and hindering the expansion and stability of the national grid.
“This recent incident adds to an alarming pattern of attacks on the transmission network nationwide.
“Vandalism of power installations is a disservice to us all and undermines efforts to strengthen the nation’s transmission system,” it stated.
