Newspointer May 10, 2024
By Kaleshi Goodwin, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has strongly condemned the vandalism of key electrical infrastructure that has left the state in darkness for over two weeks.

The recent destruction of four transmission line towers along the Jos-Gombe 330kV line, as noticed by The Guardian, has disrupted electricity supply to millions of residents, impacting homes, businesses, hospitals, and essential services, and leading to a surge in crime and insecurity.
In a press briefing through his Commissioner of Energy and Economic Development, Engr. Naomi Agbu, Governor Kefas expressed his deep concern over the incident, calling it “senseless.”
He stated that the vandalism jeopardizes the reliability of the electrical grid, with significant consequences for the regional economy, particularly in food production.
“The disruption caused by this act of vandalism has severe cascading effects on our economy and security. This senseless act has brought hardship to millions and is compounding existing challenges in the region,” he said.
The governor noted that the state government is collaborating with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) to address the problem. However, he pointed out the concerning lack of response from the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), which has prolonged the blackout.
A temporary solution involving backfeeding from an older 132kV line stretching from Jos via Bauchi, Gombe, Savanah to Yola and Jalingo, he said, is in progress.
The governor warned that this approach carries risks due to technical constraints and the age of the infrastructure, which might cause damage or accidents.
Governor Kefas urged the FGN to implement robust plans to strengthen the North-East region’s electrical infrastructure, including the proposed North-East ring circuit in TCN’s expansion plan.

Additionally, he highlighted that YEDC and the state government are taking steps to enhance security around electrical infrastructure by increasing surveillance, implementing stricter access controls, and engaging with communities to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these assets.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities near transmission line towers or electrical facilities. Despite the challenges, Governor Kefas reassured the public that the state government is committed to restoring power safely and efficiently.
“We’re doing everything in our power to restore normalcy. We ask for your continued patience and cooperation as we work through this difficult period,” he said.