The Transmission Company of Nigeria announced on Thursday that its tower T195, located along the Ugwuaji-Makurdi 330kV transmission line, was targeted by vandals last Saturday.
TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, explained that the incident occurred at Watuolo village in Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
Mbah highlighted that the efforts of vigilant community members thwarted the act when they noticed suspicious activity around the tower at around 3 am.
The residents quickly apprehended one of the suspected vandals, while the others managed to flee, and handed the captured suspect over to the police.
“We commend the people of Watuolo village for their swift action and vigilance,” Mbah stated. “We equally appeal to communities hosting critical infrastructure to emulate this example and take ownership of protecting transmission installations in their vicinity.”
She further emphasized that TCN is working alongside security forces and host communities to combat vandalism, urging local residents to stay vigilant.
“As we continue to work with security operatives and host communities against vandalism, we appeal for more vigilance by residents in the communities, who we believe are very critical in this fight,” she stressed.
