Traders, residents escape death as TCN power lines explode in Edo

Traders and residents at Egor market in Edo State narrowly escaped death when Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) power lines exploded and ignited, forcing them to flee.

“

We deeply regret the inconvenience and discomfort this incident has caused residents, businesses, and all electricity customers in the affected areas. Please be assured that the Ministry of Power and all relevant agencies are doing everything possible to rectify the line, to enable normal bulk power transmission along the affected line.

The explosion caused disruptions to the Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotoso 330KV transmission lines, leading to voltage instability on the national grid. This instability resulted in the loss of several generating stations and subsequent interruption of electricity supply to Lagos and surrounding areas. The National Control Centre instructed generators to reduce output to stabilize the system.

“

Our goal is to stabilise and strengthen the national grid, with the aim of minimising such recurrence.

According to Ndidi Mbah, General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, the Benin-Egbin 330kV line has been restored. Engineers are working to fix the remaining faults on the Benin-Omotoso 330kV line to fully restore power to the Lagos axis. TCN expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured customers that efforts are underway to rectify the line and minimize future occurrences.

“

All structures under the power lines are illegal. If not for God, a lot of people would have died at the Egor incident. I learnt that one person died. I was there for an on the spot assessment.

Meanwhile, the Edo state government has initiated measures to prevent future incidents. Structures and shops built illegally under the power lines have been marked for demolition. The Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Government Properties, Euguene Okoloise, stated that a seven-day ultimatum has been issued for occupants to vacate the area before demolition begins. He emphasized the government's duty to protect lives and property, noting that the incident could have been fatal if not for divine intervention.

“

We have given them a seven day ultimatum to leave the place. When we give an ultimatum, the next thing is to demolish and we will demolish those buildings. The duty of the government is to protect lives and property.