- Armed men attacked the 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State, destroying critical equipment and halting progress on the power project.
- In a separate incident, two soldiers were killed in an ambush by gunmen at a military checkpoint in Abia State on November 13.
On November 12, 2024, armed men attacked the 330/132/33kV transmission substation construction site in Obajana, Kogi State, causing significant damage to critical infrastructure. The attack, believed to have been carried out by bandits, marks a troubling escalation in the ongoing wave of vandalism targeting Nigeria’s power transmission network.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the incident and is currently assessing the extent of the damage. Preliminary reports indicate that the attackers destroyed an essential transformer, dealing a severe blow to efforts to improve regional power generation and distribution. The substation, still under construction, was a central part of plans to enhance electricity supply to Kogi State and surrounding areas, which have long faced power shortages.
The assault took place around 11:55 p.m. when the gunmen stormed the site, opening fire indiscriminately at workers and security personnel. Although no fatalities have been reported, the attack has caused a major setback for the project, which was intended to bolster power infrastructure and reduce electricity outages in the region.
Mbah, a representative of TCN, assured the public that the company was taking immediate action to assess the full extent of the damage and formulate a repair plan. “We are committed to restoring the project as quickly as possible to minimise delays and ensure the continued improvement of power supply in the region,” Mbah stated. However, the repair timeline remains uncertain, and the attack has raised concerns about the safety and security of ongoing infrastructure projects nationwide.
This attack is part of a broader trend of violence and criminal activity targeting Nigeria’s power sector. In recent months, several incidents of vandalism and theft at various transmission sites have disrupted efforts to enhance the national grid and provide reliable electricity to underserved areas.
The incident in Obajana has not only hindered progress on the power plant but also added to the growing security challenges in Kogi State, which, like many other parts of Nigeria, has been grappling with increasing banditry and violent crime.