The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has lauded the Katsina State Police Command for arresting four suspects in connection with the vandalism of TCNs’ transmission towers in Ajuwa area of Katsina state.
A statement by the spokesperson, Mrs Ndidi Mbah said the unfortunate act which resulted in the collapse of Towers 70 and 71 along Katsina – Daura 132kv transmission line, also witnessed extensive tampering of 22 other towers part along the transmission line route.
The suspects who confessed to vandalizing the towers have been charged to court with their trial starting last Wednesday.
TCN said, aside the two collapsed towers, two others on the route are in critical condition due to vandalism and would have to be rehabilitated urgently.
The firm said the vandals wreaked more havoc on towers around Rimi, Batagarawa and Mani Local Government Areas of the state.
TCN said it requires huge cost to replace and restore electricity equipment stolen or destroyed by vandals which should be put into grid expansion.
The company therefore appealed for more vigilance and support from security agencies, local vigilante groups and host communities as well as the Katsina State Government to protect power installations.
The statement said the threat posed by vandalism to its grid expansion programme is real, but that TCN will continue to strive hard to achieve its grid expansion plan of 20,000 megawatts (MW) wheeling capacity by the year 2021.
However, it reiterated that the vandals must necessarily be stopped, noting that this fight is a collective responsibility that can only be sustained through committed participation of all stakeholders.
