Fire Ravages Three Radio Stations in Aba, Destroying Equipment Worth Millions
In a devastating incident, three radio stations in Aba, Abia State, saw their broadcasting equipment worth millions of naira burnt to ashes on Saturday night when a fire engulfed their shared building. The affected stations, Enyimba 94.3 FM, Rose 101.9 FM, and Legend 98.3 FM, all operate independently but share a single facility located off Margret Avenue, along the PZ axis of the Aba-Owerri road in Aba North Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire, which is believed to have originated from the television section of the mother company, Enyimba TV and Radio Limited, quickly spread to the two sister stations, reducing their broadcasting equipment to rubble. The inferno required the prompt intervention of the Abia State Fire Service, whose personnel worked tirelessly to contain the flames and prevent further spread to surrounding buildings.
No lives were lost in the incident; however, the damage to broadcasting equipment was extensive, leaving the stations unable to continue operations. In an official statement, Enyimba TV and Radio Limited’s management announced a temporary shutdown across the three affected stations. They emphasized that efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and to investigate the fire's cause to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
A fire service official, who requested anonymity, appealed to factory and business owners in Abia to invest in fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers and hydrants, to mitigate fire risks. The official highlighted that proactive measures could significantly curb the impact of such fires, particularly in high-value facilities like broadcasting centers.
The loss has sent shockwaves through Aba’s media industry, with many lamenting the setback the incident represents for independent radio broadcasting in the region. The stations served a significant audience in Aba and neighboring areas, making their loss a notable event in the local broadcasting community.
As investigations continue, authorities and stakeholders in the broadcasting industry are calling for enhanced fire safety measures across similar facilities to ensure that such an incident does not recur.
