An investigation into a power outage on the Ughelli–Benin 330kV transmission line has led to the discovery of a suspected vandal crushed beneath a collapsed transmission tower in Delta State.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said the incident was uncovered on August 8, 2026, during an emergency patrol by its linesmen after the line tripped on an earth fault.
According to a statement signed by TCN management, the fault was traced to Tower 101, which had collapsed, with the body of the suspected vandal found trapped within the structure.
“The patrol team traced the fault to Tower 101, which had collapsed. The body of the suspected vandal was found crushed between the tower members,” the statement said.
The company disclosed that further checks revealed extensive vandalism on nearby infrastructure, including Tower 101 on the adjacent Ughelli–Sapele 330kV line, which was heavily damaged but still standing.
TCN condemned the incident, warning that attacks on power infrastructure continue to pose serious threats to electricity supply and public safety.
“This incident is a tragic reminder of the extreme dangers of tampering with power infrastructure,” the company stated.
The agency called on host communities and the general public to support efforts to curb vandalism by reporting suspicious activities around power installations.
It stressed that protecting national grid assets is a shared responsibility, noting that vandalism not only disrupts electricity supply but can also lead to fatal consequences.
