By Stella Odueme
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to protect critical power infrastructure with a community awareness campaign in Alaoji, Aba, Abia State, aimed at tackling vandalism and encroachment on transmission Right of Way (RoW).
The campaign, organised by TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders, community members and security agencies to raise awareness about the dangers of vandalising electricity infrastructure and erecting buildings within transmission corridors, a statement said on Monday.
Speaking at the engagement, the Assistant General Manager of TCN’s Aba Sub-Region, Engr. Juliet Ndi Ukomadu, expressed concern over the increasing vandalism of critical transmission facilities, particularly earthing wires, cables and tower members.
Ukomadu said the destruction of transmission tower components could result in cascading failures, leading to the collapse of multiple towers and disruption of electricity supply to communities.
She urged residents and other stakeholders to speak out against acts of sabotage and promptly report suspicious activities around TCN installations to relevant authorities.
The TCN official also sensitised residents to the dangers associated with vandalising power infrastructure and constructing buildings within transmission Right of Way, warning that such activities pose serious risks to lives, property and the stability of the national grid.
Also speaking, the Head of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Etang Edike, warned that individuals caught vandalising power infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
Edike, who addressed traditional rulers and youth leaders at the event, disclosed that the NSCDC had stationed a dedicated patrol vehicle and six armed personnel to respond to reports of vandalism and other threats to critical infrastructure.
