Armed robbers attacked a 132KVA power substation in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday, stealing critical equipment and disrupting power supply in the ancient city. The incident occurred at the Temidire/Ajeja substation along Ikirun Road, where six heavily armed suspects invaded the facility with tools designed to dismantle and remove electrical components. The robbers, who were fully armed, carried away several pieces of equipment before fleeing the scene without resistance. Despite the presence of security personnel, the suspects escaped unharmed, leaving behind a damaged station and a growing concern over energy infrastructure security.
A guard at the facility, speaking anonymously, confirmed the attack and described how the robbers moved swiftly and with clear intent. The station, which is part of the national power grid, was left vulnerable during the assault, raising alarms about the safety of critical energy installations across the country. The attack has further strained an already fragile power distribution system in the region, where consistent electricity supply remains a major challenge.
In response, traditional leaders from the Palace of Soun of Ogbomosoland, including Oba Afolabi Olaoye, visited the site to assess the damage and show solidarity with the affected staff. Their presence underscored the community’s concern over the incident and its potential impact on daily life and economic activities in the area. Meanwhile, officials from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) from the Ganmo station, where Temidire is set to be connected, rushed to Ogbomoso to evaluate the situation and plan restoration efforts.
Among the TCN personnel on site were Engr. Adetunji, Assistant General Manager of Transmission; Engr. Afusat Umar Muazu; and Engr. Adetoyinbo A. Adekunle. These engineers are expected to lead the repair and recovery process, though the full extent of the damage and the value of stolen equipment remain undisclosed as of Tuesday. The lack of immediate financial assessment highlights the ongoing challenges in responding to such attacks, particularly in remote or under-resourced areas.
This incident adds to a growing list of attacks on Nigeria’s power infrastructure, which has long been targeted by criminals seeking to sell stolen components on the black market. The security of power stations, transmission lines, and substations has become a national priority, especially as the government pushes to expand electricity access across the country. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to strengthen security measures at vulnerable facilities to prevent future breaches. The attack in Ogbomoso serves as a stark reminder of the need for coordinated efforts between security agencies, utility companies, and local communities to protect critical national assets.
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