The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has blamed vandals for the recent power outage in some parts of Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement on Wednesday, TCN GM, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said that Tower T35 along the Eket–Ikot Abasi 132kV Transmission Line collapsed on October 12, 2025, as a result of vandalism.

Mbah explained that following the collapse of the transmission tower, a TCN inspection team from the Lines Department visited the site of the incident in Ete Community, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area (LGA), and found several dismantled tower components on the ground.

He added that a closer investigation revealed that additional tower members had been removed from the fallen tower and carted away, while the team also observed that Towers T7, T33, and T34 had been tampered with.

As a result, there is a temporary disruption of bulk power supply through the Eket and Ekim 132/33kV Transmission Substations, as well as the Ibom Power Station.

Consequently, Mbah said the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to off-take power from these substations for onward distribution to its customers in Eket and Ekim towns.

However, TCN has commenced the mobilization of resources to facilitate the reconstruction and restoration of the collapsed tower and transmission line as soon as possible, with the GM alerting the public against vandals.

“We reiterate that vandalism poses a serious threat to the stability of the nation’s transmission system and urge host communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around transmission installations to security operatives or the nearest TCN office,” Mbah said.

“The fight against the vandalism of power infrastructure is a collective responsibility. We call on all stakeholders to join hands in protecting these critical national assets from further attacks.”