The incident began around 1:15 AM when the Benin Transmission Operator, under TCN's Independent System Operations unit, reported that all operators were forcibly removed from the control room. Workers who resisted were beaten, with some sustaining injuries in the process. Consequently, the Benin Area Control Center was rendered inoperative.
In addition to the Benin substation, other critical transmission substations affected by the shutdown include Ganmo, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba, and Osogbo. Several transmission lines were also opened due to the ongoing activities of the Labour Union, exacerbating the situation.
The power generation sector was severely impacted as well. Various generating stations were forced to shut down units of their generating plants. Notably, the Jebba Generating Station was compelled to shut down one of its units at the onset. This action was followed by the shutdown of three additional units in the same station due to high frequency issues triggered by the sudden load cuts. These abrupt forced load reductions led to high frequency and system instability, culminating in the national grid shutdown at 2:19 AM.
Despite these challenges, TCN commenced grid recovery efforts at about 3:23 AM. Recovery operations started at the Shiroro Substation, which attempted to supply bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. However, the Labour Union continues to obstruct these recovery efforts nationwide, impeding progress.
The TCN assures the public that it is making all possible efforts to recover and stabilize the grid to restore normal electricity transmission to distribution centers across the country. The situation remains critical, but TCN remains committed to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the restoration of power.