Blackout in UNIZIK as Fire Guts 150MVA TCN Transformer [VIDEO]


There was report of sudden fire outbreak on a 150MVA TCN transformer located at Yahoo Junction, Ifite, close Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Anambra State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025, allegedly disrupted electricity supply to some affected lodges situated in the area, thus raising concerns about safety and the reliability of power infrastructure in the region.

According to eyewitnesses, the transformer managed by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC), experienced a spark that quickly escalated into a fire, causing significant damage to the equipment. Video below:


The incident has left residents in darkness especially our dear students who are preparing for their project defense, with many of them expressing frustration over the recurring power challenges in the area. Local businesses, particularly in the bustling Yahoo Junction, have reported losses due to the outage, while students at UNIZIK have voiced concerns about the impact on their academic activities. “We heard a loud noise, and then we saw sparks and flames coming from the transformer,” said Chukwudi Okeke, a shop owner near Yahoo Junction. “This is not the first time we’ve had issues with power supply here. EEDC needs to act fast to fix this before it gets worse.” another eyewitness who pleads anonymity to EruditeNewsBlog said.

Photos of the outbursts

Report gathered that the residents of the area have called on EEDC to urgently address the situation, replace the damaged transformer, and conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. Community leaders who heard of the incident have also urged the company to enhance maintenance efforts and deploy measures to prevent future occurrences, such as improved surveillance to curb vandalism, a persistent issue affecting EEDC’s infrastructure.

In response, the Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, acknowledged the incident and assured customers that the company is working to restore power. “We are aware of the fire outbreak at the transformer in Yahoo Junction, Ifite, and our technical team is already investigating the cause. We apologize for the inconvenience caused and are committed to restoring electricity supply as quickly as possible.” Ezeh said in his statement.

EEDC further encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities around electrical installations to help curb vandalism, which has been a significant challenge for the company. The company has obviously made strides in improving power supply in major parts of Awka, including the recent upgrade of the Agu-Awka Injection Substation from 7.5MVA to 15MVA, aimed at addressing supply challenges in Ifite and nearby communities. However, residents argue that more proactive measures are needed to ensure stable electricity.

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