The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that a thunderstorm disrupted its 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven transmission line on Tuesday, September 3, 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, explained that the incident occurred near Tower 97, where a high-tension conductor snapped and fell to the ground, causing damage to properties and livestock along the transmission corridor.
According to Mbah, while the damage was significant, there was no loss of power supply to the Nsukka axis. She noted that electricity was swiftly rerouted through the Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for continued distribution to consumers.
Mbah emphasized the critical importance of maintaining safety around high-voltage transmission infrastructure, warning against encroachment on TCN’s right-of-way.
“This incident is a stark reminder that building houses, parking vehicles, or carrying out any activity under transmission lines is extremely dangerous,” she said.
“Encroachment is not only illegal, it poses a grave risk to lives and property.”
Although there were no human casualties, the thunderstorm’s impact was severe. The resulting electrical discharge from the fallen conductor set fire to a house, burned a parked vehicle, and killed two cows in the vicinity.
An on-site assessment was led by TCN’s Regional Manager, Enugu Region, Tom Inugonum, who confirmed the extent of the damage.
“The thunderstorm snapped the line, and the conductor dropped dangerously close to Tower 97,” he said. “On arrival, we found a house already torched, a car burned, and livestock dead. It’s unfortunate, but we are grateful that no lives were lost.”
TCN’s Quick Response Line Maintenance Team immediately mobilized to the site. The damaged section is currently being dismantled, and the restringing of a new conductor is underway.
“Restoration efforts are in progress,” the company said. “We are working diligently to ensure the line is safely and promptly restored.”
