‘Deliberate sabotage’ — FG condemns destruction of transmission tower in Yobe

The federal government has condemned the recent vandalisation of a transmission tower in Yobe.

In a post on X on Saturday, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, said he is “deeply troubled” by the deliberate destruction.

On Thursday, communities in Borno and Yobe were thrown into darkness after suspected Boko Haram insurgents destroyed an electricity tower supplying power to the states.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, the Transmission Company of  Nigeria (TCN) said tower T372 located around Katsaita village in Yobe was vandalised.

The firm said the development had brought down the 330 kilovolt (kV) transmission tower which subsequently pulled down tower T373 along the same transmission line route.

The latest incident comes two years after insurgents destroyed the transmission lines throwing the whole state in total darkness.

Adelabu said vandals deliberately deployed explosives on the 330KV transmission tower.

The minister said villagers confirmed hearing a loud explosion before the towers came down, adding that the act of vandalism not only caused inconvenience but also raised concerns about the safety of the country’s power infrastructure.

“Deeply troubled by the recent act of vandalism on our power infrastructure. A transmission tower in Yobe State, tower T372, was deliberately brought down, causing a ripple effect that led to the collapse of tower T373 along the same transmission line,” Adelabu said.

“This criminal act occurred at 21:18 and has disrupted power supply to parts of the northeast, affecting Yobe and Borno states.

“While I condemn this deliberate sabotage, I appeal to all Nigerians to stand against such actions. We cannot let a few individuals hinder our efforts in providing regular electricity to the nation.”

Adelabu said the federal government is investigating the act, adding that “those responsible for this destructive act will face the full force of the law”.

“Vandalism not only disrupts power supply but also poses a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities,” he added.

“In addition to immediate actions, we are mobilizing resources to quickly reconstruct the damaged towers. Restoring power supply to Yobe and Borno states is our priority.

“We are taking this matter seriously and are committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. TCN has swiftly mobilized a contractor to the site to commence the reconstruction of the damaged transmission towers.”

The minister said a comprehensive plan is being developed to enhance the security of power facilities nationwide, noting that the government is working on legislation to tackle the menace of vandalism.