A fire outbreak has destroyed another radio station in Oyo State, raising concerns over the frequency of such incidents in the state’s media industry. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday, September 2, leaving significant damage to equipment and property at the affected station.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started suddenly and spread rapidly through the building before firefighters could respond. Staff members who were on duty at the time managed to escape without casualties, but the destruction was extensive. Computers, broadcasting consoles, and transmitters were among the facilities consumed by the flames.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Initial speculations suggest it could have been triggered by an electrical fault, but authorities have said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source. Emergency services were mobilized to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures, and their swift intervention helped contain the incident.
This is not the first time such a disaster has hit a broadcasting outfit in Oyo State. In recent months, at least one other station has also suffered a similar fate, fueling suspicions about poor safety standards or possible acts of sabotage. Media practitioners in the state have expressed deep concern, warning that frequent fire incidents threaten the survival of local broadcasting.
The management of the affected station described the incident as a huge setback. They explained that millions of naira worth of equipment had been destroyed, severely disrupting operations. Although no official estimate of losses has been released, it is clear that the station faces a major challenge in resuming full broadcasting. Staff members said the fire was devastating, especially as the station was already struggling with financial pressures.
Listeners and residents who rely on the station for news and information have also voiced their worries, stressing that the loss of such media platforms reduces access to timely communication. Community leaders urged both government and private owners of broadcasting stations to prioritize safety infrastructure, including fire detection systems and backup facilities, to reduce risks.
The Oyo State Fire Service confirmed the incident and assured that investigations are underway. Officials stated that more preventive measures would be introduced across media houses to avoid future occurrences. They urged organizations to adhere to fire safety regulations, conduct regular inspections, and provide adequate training for staff on emergency response.
Meanwhile, journalists in the state have called on the government to support affected stations, arguing that the media plays a critical role in society and should not be left vulnerable to operational collapse after disasters. Some also demanded that authorities probe the series of fire incidents to rule out any coordinated attacks against broadcasters.
The loss of another station has intensified public debate over the safety of public and private institutions in Oyo State. For many residents, the recurrence of fire outbreaks highlights a broader need for stricter enforcement of safety codes and better emergency preparedness.
While no lives were lost in the latest incident, the damage has left a lasting impact on the affected station and its audience. Recovery efforts are expected to take time, and the station may need significant financial assistance to rebuild and return to full operations.
