Suspected vandals using an Improvised Explosive Device IED, have destroyed a High Tension Transmission Line in Unguwar Kanawa, a suburb in the capital of Northeastern Bauchi State, a media report in the state says.
This power transmission line, integral for supplying electricity to other northeastern states, was sabotaged, disrupting the supply chain.
Residents of the community explained a loud sound from the explosion and later discovered the collapse of the High Tension Mast.
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Confirming the incident, Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the Spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, said the command received a report from the Chief Security Officer of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi. The report indicated that on February 1, 2024, at approximately 10:00 PM, a loud sound was heard in the Anguwan Kanawa area, prompting the police response.
Wakil stated, “Preliminary investigation revealed that a High Tension pole collapsed and was damaged as a result of explosives used by suspected vandals.”
“In response, a team of police operatives, including specialists from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chemicals Biological Radioactive and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, was dispatched to the scene immediately.
“The area was subsequently cordoned off, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conducted a thorough sweep. Remnant components of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) were recovered from the scene.
Wakil assured that a discreet full-scale investigation into the incident is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that justice is served.
The deliberate sabotage of critical infrastructure is a matter of great concern, and authorities are actively working to safeguard the integrity of the power transmission network in the region.
