Vandals have destroyed a TCN transmission tower in Ete, Akwa Ibom, disrupting power supply in the area.
Officials say repairs are underway as authorities warn against attacks on national infrastructure.
Vandals have destroyed an electricity transmission tower belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Ete Community, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, causing widespread power disruption in the region.
TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, October 15, explaining that Tower T35 on the Eket–Ikot Abasi 132kV transmission line collapsed on October 12 after critical parts were dismantled and stolen.
According to Mbah, engineers from the company’s Lines Department inspected the scene and found several components of the steel structure scattered across the site. She said the inspection team also discovered that other towers in the area T7, T33, and T34 had been tampered with.
“Investigations showed that several metallic parts were removed from the fallen tower and carted away,” Mbah explained. “The team further noticed that three nearby towers also showed signs of vandalism.”
She added that the collapse had temporarily disrupted power transmission through the Eket and Ekim 132/33kV substations, as well as the Ibom Power Station. The development, she noted, has prevented the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) from supplying power to customers in Eket and Ekim.
Mbah stated that TCN has begun mobilizing resources to rebuild the damaged tower and restore electricity to the affected communities. She warned that vandalism continues to threaten the stability of Nigeria’s power grid and urged local residents to assist in safeguarding national assets.
“Vandalism of power installations remains a serious challenge to the nation’s electricity supply. We urge host communities to remain watchful and promptly report any suspicious movement around transmission facilities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office,” she said.
Meanwhile, TCN disclosed that the Federal Government has spent about ₦88 billion between 2021 and 2025 on repairs and restoration of vandalized transmission infrastructure across the country, including ₦8.8 billion in 2024 alone.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, also urged the National Assembly to enact tougher laws that prescribe stiffer penalties for individuals convicted of tampering with or vandalizing electricity assets.
