The Transmission Company of Nigeria has confirmed that a thunderstorm disrupted the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka, New Haven transmission line on September 3, 2025, causing damage to properties and livestock along the route. This was disclosed in a statement by TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, on Monday.
According to the company, the incident occurred near Tower 97 when the conductor snapped and fell to the ground, Although there was no loss of human life, the high-voltage discharge torched a house, burnt a parked car, and killed two cows.
The Regional Manager of TCN, Enugu Region, Tom Inugonum, who led an on-site assessment, said,” The thunderstorm snapped the line and the conductor dropped very close to Tower 97.
“We saw the damage on arrival, a house already torched, a car burnt, and livestock dead on the path. It is unfortunate but thank God no human life was lost.”
He added that TCN’s Quick Response Line Maintenance Team had already begun dismantling the damaged section.
“Our team immediately commenced dismantling the damaged section of the line.
“Restringing of new conductor is underway, and we are doing everything possible to restore the line safely and quickly,” he explained.
Mbah noted that 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.
She further stressed the need to respect transmission infrastructure, stating, ”This incident is a stark reminder that building houses, parking cars, or doing anything under transmission lines is extremely dangerous.
“People must avoid encroaching on the right-of-way because it is not just illegal, it is a serious risk to lives and properties,” Mbah warned.
