Darkness Hits Presidential Villa, Others As Vandals Steal Power Cable
Power supply to some parts of the Presidential Villa, Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Lifecamp, Asokoro, Utako, and Mabushi have been disrupted.
This followed the vandalism of the 132kV transmission line and the carting away of underground cable supplying bulk electricity to the Central Area transmission substation in Katampe. The vandals also carted away a 40-metre 1x500mm XLPE conductor.
“Consequently, areas experiencing power outage include Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Life Camp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi, and parts of Presidential Villa,” the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said in a statement on Friday.
Mbah said the incident impacted eight distribution feeders supplying the Central Area, disrupting over 60 per cent of Abuja’s power supply.
“The vandalism of this critical infrastructure is suspected to have occurred near the Menillum Park axis of Abuja,” Mbah noted, explaining that the perpetrators stole 40 meters of 1x500mm XLPE conductor from the two 132kV transmission lines.
But she said the TCN had already dispatched a team of engineers to restore power to the affected areas promptly.
Mbah appealed to residents in the affected areas to remain patient while efforts to repair the damaged cables are underway.
The TCN GM expressed concern over the ongoing issue of cable vandalism, which continues to disrupt power delivery across the country.
She also called on Nigerians to stay vigilant and protect transmission equipment to prevent further incidents of vandalism.
Meanwhile, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has confirmed the development in a notice to its customers.
“Dear Valued Customers,” it began, “This is to inform residents around Federal Secretariat, Wuse Zone 1-7, Central Mosque, Energy Commission, Transcorp Hotel, Eagle Square, Yar’adua Centre, the entire Central Area, TCN HQ, CAC HQ, NYSC HQ, INEC, the entire Maitama, Kado Estate, parts of Jabi District, Area 7, 8 & 10 Garki and its environs that the power outage being experienced is due to a fault on the 132kV lines 1&2 from Katampe to AT5 Central Area Transmission Station.”
