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TCN says vandals disrupt ongoing repairs on Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said vandals have again disrupted repair work of its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132 Kilo Volt (kV) line, which is currently under repair due to previous vandalism.
The company’s General Manager, Public Affairs, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Mbah said the second attack which affected towers 29 to 31, resulting in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor, occurred on Tuesday.
She said a team of TCN engineers, led by Mr Emmanuel Akpa, the General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, had conducted an inspection of the site.
Mbah said that the preliminary findings indicated that the incident occurred at night of the said date.
”In order to prevent further theft while repairs are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East Local Government Area to secure the site until repairs are completed.
”Additionally, the line will be energised from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure.
”Efforts to replace the stolen 250mm conductor are currently underway. In spite of challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding.
“The restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is approximately 85 per cent completed,” she said.
Mbah said that earlier in November, vandals had attacked the transmission towers in the Okada and Ofosu Communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines.
“A total of 31 towers were affected in this incident before the second attack recorded on Nov.19,’’ she said.
She said that the vandalised towers which suffered significant damage, with critical components removed were discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine patrol.
”TCN engineers from the Benin Sub-Region had initiated repairs to prevent the collapse of the affected towers and to avoid disruption of bulk power supply.
”These incidents underscore the urgent need to combat the growing problem of vandalism and theft affecting Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
”TCN calls on the public to support efforts to address these crimes, which have significantly hampered the expansion and stability of the national grid,” she said.
Mbah said that as TCN intensifies its efforts to protect installations and appeal to security operative,s and local communities to be more vigilant in safeguarding power infrastructure in their areas
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has placed fire service personnel on red alert to ensure swift response to emergencies during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Jaji also urged Nigerians to adopt fire safety measures, particularly while cooking, to prevent avoidable incidents during the festive period.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the fire service boss advised against leaving cooking unattended and emphasized the need to store gas cylinders outside kitchens and keep matches away from children.
“These safety measures are crucial in preventing fire outbreaks, especially during a period when many people travel, increasing the risks of fuel tanker accidents,” he said.
He added that all fire service commands and zones across the country have been placed on high alert to respond promptly to emergencies.
“I urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact details of their local fire service units for quick intervention in case of any fire incident,” Jaji stated.
The fire chief also stressed the need for fuel tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials to be fitted with onboard cameras to enhance safety.
“Many tankers on Nigerian roads still fail to meet modern safety standards. These substandard vehicles contribute to rising accident figures, leading to loss of lives and property and leaving many families in distress,” he said.
Jaji noted that modern tankers come with features such as anti-rollover systems, anti-spill devices, and onboard cameras to monitor drivers’ behavior, which help in preventing road crashes.
“The continued use of substandard tankers without these safety features remains a major risk,” he warned.
While acknowledging the financial burden of replacing old fleets, Jaji suggested an alternative approach—installing onboard computers to monitor driving patterns, speed, and nighttime movements.
“Although the complete replacement or retrofitting of tankers with modern safety devices like anti-skid systems, speed limiters, and automatic emergency braking remains a priority, government agencies responsible for enforcing these measures are working to address the issue. Over time, we are confident that these improvements will be implemented,” he assured.
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the tenth edition of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show will begin soon.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, the organisers revealed that the audition process for this edition will differ from previous ones.
Unlike past seasons, where aspiring contestants auditioned virtually, those vying for a spot in the 10th edition will have to audition in person.
However, the premiere date for the new season and the audition locations has not been disclosed.
“This time, it’s all about showing up and being you. Ready to shine? Get ready your moment is closer than you think! Season 10 is coming,” the post reads.
The reality TV show first introduced online auditions in its fourth season in 2019.
At the time, the option was created for those who couldn’t attend the physical auditions held earlier.
Since then, the organisers have maintained virtual auditions, adding different twists with each edition.
In the last season, contestants were required to audition in pairs.
At the last edition, Kellyrae defeated other housemates to win the grand prize of N100 million.
The feat also sees him become the first married person to win the show.
As the winner, he went home with a cash prize of N60 million, a new car among others.
The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has described her husband, President Bola Tinubu, as a man of courage in a terse message to celebrate his birthday.
President Tinubu clocked 73rd on Saturday.
“I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life over the years.
I celebrate your courage, strength, and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today,” the First Lady wrote.
“May you live long, in divine health, joy, peace and prosperity. Happy Birthday, Mr. President…My Knight in Shining Armor”.