Attack on Obajana Transmission Station in Kogi State
Suspected bandits launched an attack on the Obajana Transmission Station in Kogi State, causing significant damage to the 330/132/33kV substation currently under construction. The assault, which took place late Tuesday night, involved armed men who fired indiscriminately, resulting in extensive damage to a 150MVA power transformer at the facility.
Power Infrastructure Setback
The incident has delivered a setback to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance power supply infrastructure. The destroyed transformer was positioned to support power generation and distribution within Kogi State and surrounding regions. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the attack in a statement from Ndidi Mbah, the company’s General Manager of Public Affairs.
Damage Assessment Underway
According to TCN’s statement, the attack occurred around 11:55 p.m. on November 12, 2024. Security personnel at the site reported that the armed assailants’ gunfire forced guards to abandon their posts. TCN is now conducting a thorough assessment of the damage in collaboration with the project contractor.
Pattern of Infrastructure Vandalism
The attack on the Obajana station reflects a worrying trend of vandalism targeting critical transmission infrastructure across the country. The TCN recently voiced concerns about the increasing rate of such incidents, which are hindering Nigeria’s power grid stability and expansion efforts.
Previous Vandalism Cases
Just days before, vandals targeted the 330kV Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line, damaging multiple towers. These attacks continue to disrupt Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, with TCN warning of the growing threat posed by vandalism to the national power grid.
Calls to Protect Power Infrastructure
TCN’s statement reiterated that vandalism not only disrupts power supply but also undermines the government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission systems. The company called for stronger security measures to safeguard critical energy infrastructure and prevent further interruptions to the nation’s power supply.
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