VANDALISM: TCN TAKES SENSITIZATION TO OGUN RESIDENTS ...... Warns Against Vandalization of Infrastructure.

.... Urges residents of various communities to protect power installations and report suspicious activities around transmission infrastructure." TCN General Manager Benin Region appeals.

.... "We urge residents to promptly report acts of vandalism and suspicious movements around transmission facilities to relevant authorities." 

The General Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), TCN  Benin Region, Engr. Charles Iwu-Amadi has warned Ogun residents against perpetuating acts of vandalism on its infrastructure, stressing that such activities of vandalism of transmission facilities, threatens stable electricity supply.

Engr. Iwu-Amadi made this appeal on Friday in Ijebu Itele during a sensitization programme organised for members of the host community on dangers associated with vandalism of transmission infrastructure. He urged residents of various communities to protect power installations and report suspicious activities around transmission infrastructure.

The General Manager, TCN, Benin Region, who was represented by the Assistant General Manager, Technical Services, Benin Region, Mr Matthew Ariyibi, explained that the sensitization became necessary because transmission lines pass through several rural communities.

He stated that residents were usually the first to notice suspicious activities or faults around transmission towers and installations before officials arrived.

“We are here because our transmission lines pass through this community and there is need to sensitise residents on protecting the facilities.

"Patrol teams had discovered cases where some tower components were tampered with or removed.

"We urge residents to promptly report acts of vandalism and suspicious movements around transmission facilities to relevant authorities," he said.

The AGM T disclosed that TCN was collaborating with local vigilantes and community leaders to monitor installations located in remote areas and also warned against erecting houses or structures under high-tension power lines because of the dangers involved.

Also speaking, Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Mr Abamiyo Otaru, described vandalism as willful destruction of public infrastructure meant for national development.

Otaru noted that destruction of transmission facilities disrupts electricity supply, weakens the economy and creates opportunities for criminal activities.

He warned residents against tampering with transmission installations, noting that the lines carried up to 330 kilovolts of electricity.

He advised members of the public to stay away from transmission installations and avoid illegal activities around power lines.

In his remarks, Principal Manager, Transmission, Omotosho Sub-Region, Engr. Pius Afonriwo, described vandalism as a major challenge affecting power transmission nationwide.

He appealed to residents to collaborate with security agencies and TCN officials in protecting transmission infrastructure.

“These facilities belong to all Nigerians. Let us work together to protect them,” he said.

In his remark, the Moyegesho of Itele kingdom, Oba Mufutau Kasali represented by Chief Stephen Ewubajo pledged that residents would continue to protect transmission installations within the area.

Oba Kasali noted that the infrastructure remained critical to electricity supply and national development. 

He assured TCN officials of the community’s support in safeguarding the facilities against vandalism and other illegal activities.

Community leaders, security personnel, youths were also present at the programme