…Says building under power lines is dangerous’
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has attributed the country’s recurring nationwide power outages to the growing vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
Speaking during a community meeting in Umelu, Edo State, TCN senior manager, Charles Iwuamadi, disclosed that cases of vandalism of power equipment have risen by more than 30 per cent over the past five years.
“Vandalism is directly proportional to the number of system collapses. A greater number of times when we have grid collapse, it is as a result of vandalism,” Iwuamadi explained. “If not for how we have been managing the system, the number of collapses would have doubled.”
He cautioned that those who steal or destroy electricity equipment endanger the stability of the national grid, warning that the damage of a single transmission line can trigger cascading failures across the country, resulting in blackouts nationwide.
Iwuamadi also expressed concern over the growing number of people who erect houses and other structures directly beneath high-voltage power lines. He described the practice as life-threatening, pointing to risks of radiation exposure, severe health hazards, and the possibility of instant death if a cable were to snap and fall.
“Human beings and structures cannot withstand the impact of a 330kV line. It is not only illegal but deadly,” he stressed.
While arresting vandals remains an option, Iwuamadi explained that TCN is prioritising public education to foster cooperation with host communities. He praised the Umelu community for safeguarding the 131-kilometre transmission line between Benin and Onitsha, urging residents to sustain their vigilance.
The initiative forms part of a broader nationwide sensitisation campaign designed to protect the electricity grid and ensure a more reliable power supply for Nigerians.
Suleiman Mohammed, Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo State, reinforced the message by reminding the community of its shared duty to safeguard public infrastructure.
“Any presence of government facilities in your place should be protected. When you vandalise it, you deprive yourself,” he said. “The money the government should use to bring new projects will instead be used to repair the damaged ones.”
Mohammed added that communities where vandalism is rife could be overlooked for future projects, as authorities are more likely to invest in areas where infrastructure is secure.
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