Yobe State, Nigeria – Residents in Yobe and Borno states are facing a complete blackout after suspected Boko Haram insurgents destroyed two critical power transmission towers. This latest attack adds fuel to the ongoing fight against the extremist group and raises concerns about the vulnerability of Nigeria’s infrastructure.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning in the Kasaisa village of Damaturu Local Government Area, according to Dungus Abdulkarim, spokesperson for the Yobe State Police Command. He confirmed that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were used to bring down the 330 kVA transmission towers, severing the power supply from Gombe state to both Yobe and Borno.
This attack marks the second time in three months that Boko Haram has targeted power infrastructure in Yobe. The previous incident, in December 2023, disrupted electricity for several weeks before repairs were completed in January 2024.
The impact of this attack is significant. Millions of people in both states are now without power, disrupting daily life, businesses, and essential services. Hospitals, schools, and water treatment facilities are particularly vulnerable during these blackouts.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, although some experts suggest it could be an attempt to disrupt normalcy, create fear, and potentially hinder military operations against the group. The attack also highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the Nigerian government in its fight against Boko Haram and other extremist groups.
Authorities have condemned the attack and vowed to apprehend the perpetrators. The Nigerian military has reportedly deployed troops to the affected area to secure the scene and prevent further attacks. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to repair the damaged towers and restore power to the affected states.
However, concerns persist regarding the long-term impact of these attacks. The repeated targeting of infrastructure raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures and highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.