Vigilantes arrest five suspected vandals for attacking major power line in Benue

Local vigilantes in Benue State have arrested five men for allegedly vandalising a critical transmission line operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

In a statement on Thursday, TCN said the suspects all from the Upu community in Otukpo Local Government Area were apprehended on November 3 while tampering with the Otukpo–Yandev 132kV single-circuit line.

The suspects were reportedly caught in the act at towers N16 and N17 in the ASA 3 community, with damage traced across eight additional towers along the same route.

The recovered materials, including dismantled tower components, have been handed over to the Benue State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

TCN confirmed that the vandalised section of the line has been isolated, and power supply restored to the Yandev, Wukari, Takum, and Kashimbila substations through Apir. Electricity supply to the Otukpo substation is currently being back-fed from New Haven.

The company commended the Otukpo LGA chairman, community leaders, youths, and the vigilante group for their prompt response, stressing its commitment to strengthening community partnerships to protect critical national power infrastructure.