Armed men damage power transformer in Kogi

Suspected bandits attacked the construction site of the 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State, causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria confirmed the incident in a statement from its General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, on Wednesday.

According to TCN, the attackers struck on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at around 11:55 PM, opening fire and forcing security personnel to flee.

A 150MVA power transformer, intended to enhance power supply to Kogi State and neighbouring areas, sustained significant damage, including a ruptured radiator.

The new Obajana Transmission Substation, which is designed as a 1X150MVA 330/132/33kV capacity substation, is scheduled to significantly enhance power supply to Kogi State and surrounding areas upon completion.

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.”

The statement added that the company, in response to the incident, had commenced an evaluation of the damaged equipment.

It 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 company expressed concern over the increasing trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers, which is severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure.

This concern followed a fresh attack on its 330kV Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line one, with the vandal’s 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.