Security guards flee as gunmen attack Obajana transmission station in Kogi
Some gunmen attacked the Obajana transmission substation site under construction in Kogi State at midnight on Tuesday.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) spokesperson Ndidi Mbah said the attack, which forced security operatives on duty to scamper for safety, witnessed the assailants destroy a power transformer radiator.
Mrs Mbah said, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announces that armed men invaded the construction site of its ongoing 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State. The attack occurred on the night of November 12, 2024, at approximately 11:55 p.m.
“According to reports from security personnel at the site, the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, causing the guards to flee. During the attack, a 150MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer, already positioned on its plinth, was struck, resulting in a burst radiator.”
Mrs Mbah lamented the incessant vandalism of electricity infrastructure across the country and said the destroyed Obajana Transmission Substation was being built to improve power supply.
“This incident is part of a broader pattern of vandalism targeting transmission infrastructure across the country. The new Obajana Transmission Substation, which is designed to be a 1X150MVA 330/132/33kV capacity substation, will significantly enhance power supply to Kogi State and surrounding areas upon completion.”
The company, however, said an evaluation of the level of damage to the faculty is being carried out in collaboration with the contractor managing the project.