33kV Tower Collapses Under Jimeta Bridge, Throws Key Communities, University, Media Houses into Darkness

33kV Tower Collapses Under Jimeta Bridge, Throws Key Communities, University, Media Houses into Darkness

A high-tension electricity tower supplying power to several major communities and institutions in Adamawa State collapsed early on Wednesday following a heavy rain accompanied by violent winds.

The incident has left residents of Vunoklang, Bajabure, the NYSC camp at Damare, Modibbo Adama University (MAU) community, as well as major television and radio stations and recreational facilities completely blacked out.

The tower, a critical 33kV feeder linking the affected areas across the Jimeta bridge, caved under the force of the early morning downpour.

According to sources, the structure gave way as wind speeds intensified, cutting off electricity supply to thousands of households, businesses, students, and media houses that depend largely on the grid for daily operations.

If the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) fails to repair the tower swiftly, residents face imminent and severe hardships.
Many small business owners who rely on power for welding, grinding, refrigeration, and other services have already begun counting losses, while students of MAU are now without light for evening studies and basic camp services.

Speaking to our correspondent, Honourable Felix Bilison Gaude, former Administrator of Vunoklang State Development Area, appealed to YEDC to speed up repairs of the collapsed infrastructure.

“This tower links vital areas across the Jimeta bridge. If urgent action is not taken, the hardship will be unbearable. Families cannot preserve food, small businesses are grounded, and even security and communication services are threatened. We call on YEDC to deploy a team immediately to replace the tower and restore our electricity,” Gaude said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has yet to issue any official statement regarding the collapsed tower or provide a timeline for restoration.

Residents remain anxious and are appealing for swift intervention from both the electricity utility and the state government to avert a prolonged blackout that could cripple economic and academic activities in the affected corridor.