A thunderstorm has disrupted the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka transmission line in Nigeria, causing significant damage to properties and livestock. According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the incident occurred on September 3, 2025, near Tower 97, when a conductor snapped and fell to the ground due to the storm. The resulting high-voltage discharge torched a house, burnt a parked car, and killed two cows.
The TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, disclosed that despite the damage, there was no load loss to the Nsukka axis, as power had been rerouted through the Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company for onward distribution. The company has stressed the importance of respecting transmission infrastructure and avoiding encroachment on the right-of-way, as it poses a serious risk to lives and properties.
The Regional Manager of TCN, Enugu Region, Tom Inugonum, led an on-site assessment and confirmed that the thunderstorm snapped the line, causing the damage. The company’s Quick Response Line Maintenance Team has begun dismantling the damaged section, and restringing of the new conductor is underway. The TCN is working to restore the line safely and quickly.
The incident highlights the need for caution and awareness about the dangers of building houses, parking cars, or engaging in other activities under transmission lines. The TCN has emphasized that such actions are not only illegal but also pose a significant risk to lives and properties. Fortunately, there was no loss of human life in this incident, but it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting transmission infrastructure.
The TCN’s prompt response and efforts to restore the line are underway, and the company is working to minimize the impact of the disruption on the affected communities. The incident is a reminder of the importance of maintaining and respecting critical infrastructure, such as transmission lines, to ensure public safety and prevent damage to properties and the environment.
