A suspected vandal has been killed after a transmission tower he was allegedly vandalising collapsed along the 330kV Ughelli-Benin transmission line in Delta State.
The incident was discovered by officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) during a routine patrol after the transmission line tripped on an earth fault.
According to TCN, personnel from its Delta Sub-Region Lines Maintenance Department traced the fault to Tower 101 along the Ughelli-Benin 330kV transmission line, where they found that the structure had collapsed.
The body of the suspected vandal was reportedly found trapped and crushed among the fallen tower members.
The company also disclosed that Tower 101 on the adjoining Ughelli-Sapele 330kV transmission line had been vandalised.
TCN said the development highlights the danger posed by the persistent vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure, which not only threatens lives but can also disrupt power transmission and cause damage to the national grid.
The company warned individuals involved in the destruction or theft of transmission equipment to desist from the practice, stressing that such acts endanger both the perpetrators and the wider public.
TCN said its personnel would continue to monitor and inspect transmission facilities in the region to identify faults, prevent further damage and safeguard critical infrastructure.
