The Enugu State Broadcasting Service, which is located at the Independence Layout near Agric Bank Junction, was completely destroyed by fire on Tuesday morning.
At the time of reporting this story, the cause of the fire had not been identified, although the flames was claimed to have entirely destroyed the newsroom and presenters’ office.
One of the staff’s HD cameras and laptop computer were said to have been burned to ashes.
Station staff told our correspondent, on condition of anonymity, that the fire started immediately after the station opened for the early morning transmission, around 5.30am to 6.00am, when a generator was turned on.
He claimed that if it hadn’t been for the State Fire Service’s fast response, the entire station would have been destroyed by fire.
Another member of staff reportedly told our correspondent that the station’s constant burning had perplexed them since police were stationed there to guard it shortly after the nationwide #EndSARS protest last year.
“Since the station was erected in 1983, we have not heard or observed a fire event.”
However, a police detachment was called to the station in less than a month, and our equipment store was destroyed by fire.”
Despite the fact that it had no electricity and was surrounded by bush, the storehouse was destroyed by fire. Police had yet to release their investigation report on the previous incident until today.
The policemen were removed shortly after the first incident, and a new set of people were brought in, and it has now happened again.
“I’m not saying those cops were to blame for the incident, but a thorough investigation into the fire should be conducted.”
Chukwuma Ogbonna, the station’s General Manager, told our correspondent shortly after the fire was extinguished that it was the second fire incident at the station this year.
Although he stated that the current incident was caused by a power surge, the first incident remained a mystery.
“I truly thank God that the Fire Department arrived on time and saved the station; otherwise, I’m not sure what would have happened.”
“The fire has been extinguished by the firefighters. It didn’t destroy much, but at least we can fly.”
Ogbonna lamented the previous fire incident, saying,
“that one happened in our store and all the equipment was totally destroyed.”
Because there was no electricity supply to that store, the cause of the fire has remained a mystery to this day.
“Police interviewed all of the staff following the incident, but their report has yet to be released.” As a result, it has remained a mystery.”
“However, the one that occurred today can be attributed to a power surge. I believe there was an issue with the control panel that resulted in the fire incident this morning.”
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
