The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has warned Nigerians to desist from building, parking or engaging in any activities within the transmission lines’ Right of Way (RoW).
TCN’s General Manager, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, who gave the warning in a statement on Monday, said it was necessary following the current torrential rain, with its attendant thunderstorm in the country.
She explained that the thunderstorm that occurred late in the evening of September 3, 2025, caused the snapping of the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven transmission line.
According to her, the incident led to the cut of a conductor close to Tower 97 along the route.
She said although there was no loss of human life, the high-voltage discharge from the fallen conductor unfortunately torched a house built under the transmission line, close to the tower, burnt a car parked under the transmission line right-of-way and killed two cows along the route.
The GM narrated that following the incident, the Regional Manager of TCN, Enugu Region, Engr. Tom Inugonum and his team visited the site of the incident for an on the ground assessment of the incident.
She added the TCN’s Quick Response Line Maintenance Team was also deployed to the site and has since commenced dismantling the damaged section of the line in preparation for restringing a new conductor.
Mrs. Mbah said despite the disruption, there was no load loss to the Nsukka area, which is normally supplied through the affected transmission line.
She informed that the TCN has implemented a temporary alternative power supply arrangement by diverting bulk electricity through the Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for onward distribution to the Nsukka axis.
While reiterating that no human casualties occurred as a result of the incident, she said the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to avoid building, parking, or engaging in any activities within the transmission lines’ Right of Way (RoW).
The company emphasized that such encroachments are extremely dangerous and pose serious risks to lives and property.
She urged the public to always respect the integrity of power infrastructure and comply with safety guidelines around transmission facilities.
“TCN remains committed to maintaining a stable and secure national grid while ensuring public safety,” she added.
