Edo State Authorities Order Demolition Following TCN Power Line Explosion

Traders and residents in Edo State narrowly escaped disaster on Friday after high-voltage transmission lines belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) exploded and caught fire at the Egor Market.

The incident, which occurred beneath power lines where various structures had been illegally erected, prompted an immediate flight for safety by those in the vicinity. While TCN confirmed that the explosion resulted in significant disruptions to the national grid—specifically impacting the Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotoso 330kV transmission lines—authorities have since begun efforts to stabilize the network and restore power to the affected Lagos corridor.

TCN General Manager for Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed that engineers are working to rectify the faults and stabilize the grid. She expressed regret for the discomfort caused to businesses and electricity consumers, noting that efforts to restore full supply are currently underway.

In the wake of the explosion, the Edo State government has moved to prevent future tragedies by marking all structures located under the high-tension lines for demolition. Eugene Okoloise, Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Government Properties, conducted an on-site assessment and announced that all illegal buildings in the area have been served a seven-day ultimatum to vacate.

“All structures under the power lines are illegal,” Okoloise stated. “The duty of the government is to protect lives and property. If the citizens do not want to be protected, we will force them to be protected.”

The government has vowed to proceed with the total demolition of the structures once the seven-day notice period expires, citing the extreme danger posed to anyone occupying space directly beneath the power lines.