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Secure Transmission Lines From Vandals – Reps Tell Interior Ministry

Published

5 hours ago

Nov 26, 2024.

The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Interior, led by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to enhance security measures for electricity transmission lines across the country to curb persistent vandalism of critical infrastructure.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that this appeal followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance presented by Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency, during a plenary session on Tuesday.

The motion highlighted the alarming frequency of attacks on transmission lines, which have disrupted power supply and socio-economic activities in several areas, including Rivers and Bayelsa States. Oforji informed the House that residents of Yenagoa and other parts of Bayelsa woke up to a complete power outage on July 29, 2024, due to the collapse of a transmission station in Ahoada East, Rivers State, and three others between Igbogene and Nedugo Agbia in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Bayelsa State Government and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) took swift action to restore the lines.

However, on November 19, as repair works neared completion, vandals attacked and damaged sections of the transmission lines in Ula-Akpata, Ahoada East, plunging the state back into darkness.

Transmission Lines Interior Ministry

This marked over four months of intermittent blackouts, severely affecting residents and businesses.

Expressing concern, Oforji emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the government to protect citizens’ economic and social rights, urging immediate and robust action to prevent further attacks.

In response, the House mandated its Committees on Interior and Power to collaborate with the Ministry of Interior to implement adequate security measures for transmission infrastructure nationwide.