TCN Educates Host Communities on Protecting Power Installations

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Enugu Region, has launched a community sensitisation campaign in the Umuhuali, Ezillo, and Nkalagu communities of Ebonyi State. The campaign aims to address growing incidents of vandalism, the construction of illegal structures on TCN’s Right of Way (RoW), and the excavation of soil near transmission tower bases.

During the event, Dr. Thomas Inugonum, General Manager (Transmission) for the Enugu Region, explained that the initiative is intended to strengthen relationships with the communities that host TCN infrastructure.

He identified five key areas that require immediate community action: the dangers of vandalising 330 kV and 132 kV high‑voltage power lines; the illegal erection of structures within TCN’s RoW; the excavation of soil around transmission tower bases; the risks associated with trading, farming, or living directly beneath 330 kV/132 kV towers; and the practice of burning waste materials beneath transmission lines.

Inugonum noted that similar sensitisation efforts in Makurdi, Benue State, and in the Agbogugu and Ihe communities of Enugu State had produced positive results. He expressed confidence that Ebonyi State would achieve comparable success.

The GM also recalled a tragic incident in Ezillo, Ebonyi State, in which an unidentified vandal was electrocuted while attempting to damage Tower 34 on the Nkalagu‑Abakaliki 132 kV transmission line.

Representing the communities, Solomon Nweke, President General of the Ezza Umuhuali Town Union, credited the recent arrest of suspects to the vigilance of local vigilantes and community leaders.