By Stella Odueme
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Enugu Region, undertook a community sensitization campaign at Umuhuali, Ezillo, and Nkalagu communities in Ebonyi State to address rising incidents of vandalism, erection of illegal structures on TCN’s Right of Way (RoW), and excavation of soil near transmission tower bases.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Region, Dr. Thomas Inugonum, stated that the initiative seeks to foster stronger relationships with communities hosting TCN infrastructure.
According to the General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, in a statement on Saturday, he outlined five critical areas requiring immediate community intervention: the dangers of vandalizing 330kV and 132kV high-voltage power lines; illegal erection of structures within TCN’s RoW; excavation of soil around transmission tower bases; the risks of trading, farming, or residing directly under 330kV/132kV towers; and the practice of burning waste materials beneath transmission lines.
Dr. Inugonum noted that similar sensitization campaigns in Makurdi, Benue State, and Agbogugu and Ihe communities in Enugu State yielded positive outcomes, expressing confidence that Ebonyi State would record similar success.
The GM further recalled a tragic incident in Ezillo, Ebonyi State, where an unidentified vandal was electrocuted while attempting to vandalize Tower 34 on the Nkalagu-Abakaliki 132kV transmission line. He also disclosed that on 9th May, 2026, the vigilance of local youths and security personnel in Ezza Umuhuali led to the arrest of two vandals who dismantled vital components from Towers T15, T16, and T17 along the Nkalagu-Abakaliki 132kV Single Circuit line. “Transmission tower components worth millions of naira are vandalized and sold to illicit scrap dealers for a fraction of their value,” Dr. Inugonum lamented.
He urged sustained community participation, grassroots surveillance, and closer collaboration with security agencies to curb the illegal resale of stolen power components. He charged residents to promptly report suspicious activities around TCN installations to security agencies or through TCN’s dedicated hotlines.
The sensitization commenced with a courtesy visit by the GM and his management team to the traditional ruler of Umuhuali Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Patrick Nwafor Udoku. Receiving the delegation alongside his cabinet, HRH Eze Udoku pledged his domain’s total commitment to safeguarding power installations and preventing encroachment on TCN’s RoW.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, the President General of Ezza Umuhuali Town Union, Hon. Solomon Nweke, attributed the recent arrest of suspects to the alertness of local vigilantes and community leaders. Hon. Nweke described attacks on power infrastructure as “a direct assault on the national economy that endangers lives and property.” He urged TCN to sustain its engagement with host communities and strengthen support for local surveillance initiatives.
The event concluded with participants from the various communities pledging their full collaboration with TCN and security agencies to safeguard transmission facilities serving their localities and the nation at large.
