A significant fire at a key electrical substation has plunged large sections of Katsina into darkness, highlighting the fragility of power infrastructure and its direct impact on daily life. The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) confirmed a fire involving a critical 15MVA power transformer at its IBB Way Injection Substation late Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The incident, whose root cause remains under investigation, led to an immediate and widespread power outage. Affected areas include major parts of Katsina metropolis such as Kofar Kaura, the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Dandagoro, sections of Kofar Marusa, Janbango, Kano Road, and their environs. For residents and businesses in these zones, the blackout means more than inconvenience—it disrupts commerce, security, refrigeration, and communication.
Understanding the Scale: What is a 15MVA Transformer?
To grasp the severity, the damaged 15MVA (Mega Volt-Ampere) transformer is a substantial piece of equipment. It’s responsible for stepping down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to a lower voltage suitable for distribution to homes and businesses. Losing one can affect tens of thousands of customers. KEDCO’s technical teams have been deployed to investigate the cause—which could range from equipment failure and insulation breakdown to external factors like vandalism or grid instability—assess the damage, and begin restoration.
Safety First, Then Restoration
In their statement, Mr. Sani Bala-Sani, Head of Corporate Communication at KEDCO, emphasized that safety protocols were immediately enacted. “As part of safety measures, the affected sections of the substation have been isolated to prevent any risk to lives and property,” he stated. This isolation is a standard but crucial procedure to ensure the fire does not spread and that it is safe for engineers to begin work.
KEDCO has expressed regret for the inconvenience and assured customers that prompt restoration is a top priority. However, residents should prepare for a potentially prolonged outage. Replacing or repairing a high-voltage transformer is not a simple task; it requires specialized expertise, heavy equipment, and possibly a replacement unit, which may not be immediately on hand.
Broader Context and Practical Advice for Affected Residents
This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges within Nigeria’s power distribution network. Aging infrastructure, load stress, and maintenance gaps can contribute to such failures. For those affected:
- Stay Informed: KEDCO promises updates via their official channels. Follow them for estimated restoration times.
- Prioritize Safety: Use alternative light sources like torches over open flames to prevent fires. Switch off or unplug major appliances to avoid a power surge when supply returns.
- Plan for Perishables: Minimize opening freezers and refrigerators to preserve food for as long as possible.
- Community Awareness: Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or vulnerable, who may be more severely impacted by the lack of electricity.
While KEDCO’s technical team works to resolve the crisis, the event underscores the need for continued investment in grid resilience and modern protective systems to mitigate the impact of such failures in the future. The coming days will reveal the full extent of the damage and the timeline for a return to normalcy for the people of Katsina.
Report by Abbas Bamalli for NAN. Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Bashir Rabe Mani.
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