TCN urges Kaduna residents to vacate high-tension zones

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has issued a strong warning to residents of Kaduna State to vacate high-tension electricity zones, citing increasing cases of encroachment and vandalism that threaten the stability of the national power grid.

Speaking at a sensitisation forum held in Kaduna with traditional rulers, security agencies, youth leaders, and other stakeholders, TCN officials expressed concern over the surge in illegal structures erected directly beneath high-voltage transmission lines.

They also decried repeated attacks on power infrastructure, which they say are undermining efforts to improve electricity supply across the country.

Engineer Nasir Mansur-Fada, General Manager of TCN’s Kaduna Region, revealed that the company is currently undertaking major upgrades, including the installation of new transformers and expansion of transmission facilities, to boost power delivery in the state.

However, he lamented that ongoing acts of vandalism and unauthorized construction are slowing progress.

During the technical presentations, Mr. Simon Innocent, Manager System Lines, and Mr. Yakubu Abdulrazaq, Assistant Manager Electrical, outlined the dangers posed by illegal structures near transmission lines. They noted that such encroachments obstruct routine inspections, increase the risk of electrocution, and could lead to deadly fires.

Adding to the warnings, Mr. Kenneth John, Senior Manager for Health, Safety and Environment, urged residents to stop converting transmission corridors into residential areas or trading spaces, stressing that such practices are both dangerous and illegal.

In response, traditional leaders present at the forum pledged their cooperation.

Speaking on their behalf, the Sarkin Mando, Alhaji Sani Musa, commended TCN for the awareness campaign and promised to mobilize grassroots support.

“This sensitisation is timely. We will return to our communities and educate our people. When these lines are tampered with, it is our communities that suffer prolonged blackouts,” he said.

TCN’s message to the public is clear: staying away from high-voltage corridors is not just a safety issue—it’s essential for protecting the integrity of the power grid and ensuring stable electricity supply for all.