Otukpo-Yanvde 132kV Line Vandakism: Vigilantes Nab Five Suspects
Suspected vandals from Upu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have been apprehended by the local vigilantes while vandalising the Otukpo–Yandev 132kV Single-Circuit transmission line. The arrest took place in November 3, 2025.
This was contained in a statement signed by the General Manager Public Affairs of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ndidi Mbah, which was made available to Core Reporters on Thursday, November 13.
According ro the statement, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public that the ongoing effort aimed at protecting its infrastructure is beginning to yield success with the arrest of five suspected vandals from Upu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State by local vigilantes while vandalising the Otukpo–Yandev 132kV Single-Circuit transmission line on November 3, 2025.
“The suspects were caught in the act while vandalising towers N16 and N17 in ASA 3 Community, with damage done extending to eight other towers along the line.
“Consequently, the suspects with dismembered parts of the towers and other materials recovered were handed over to the Benue State Police Command for investigation and prosecution.”
Meanwhile, TCN says the damaged section of the line has been isolated and bulk power restored to Yandev, Wukari, Takum, and Kashimbila Transmission Substation through the Apir Substation, while the Otukpo Substation is being backfed from the New Heaven Substation.
Core Reporters report that TCN commended the Chairman, Otukpo Local Government Area, Community leaders, Youths and members of the Local Vigilante group for their support in coordinating the arrest of the vandals and promised to sustain the synergy with the community for protection of its critical transmission infrastructure in the area.
