Bayelsa and Parts of Rivers Plunged Into Darkness as Vandals Destroy Power Towers

Bayelsa State and parts of Rivers State have been thrown into darkness following the collapse of four transmission towers along the Owerri-Ahoada 132kV Double Circuit line. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that towers T171 to T174 were vandalized and brought down around 6:23 pm on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

As a result, power supply to the Ahoada, Gbarain, and Yenagoa 132kV transmission substations has been cut off, leaving the entire Bayelsa State and parts of Rivers State without electricity. A TCN assessment team, led by the General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Akpa, has inspected the damage and is mobilizing resources for repairs.

This latest incident follows a similar blackout in July 2024, when Bayelsa endured four months without power due to infrastructure vandalism. The economic losses were severe, and TCN had to bear significant costs to restore the damaged towers.

TCN has condemned the recurring acts of vandalism and is calling on local communities to help protect power infrastructure to prevent future disruptions.