Fresh FM, Ibadan, a radio broadcasting station owned by gospel musician Yinka Ayefele, has been gutted by fire.
The incident occurred on Friday night at the station’s premises in Felele, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Media personality Samuel Arugboboisi first raised the alarm on social media, calling for help.
The post reads: “Fresh FM is currently on fire! We urgently need the Fire Service to respond immediately. Please spread the word and alert the nearest station.”
One staff member of the station, who pleaded anonymity, also told The Gazette: “It’s pathetic as I speak with you. We are trying to reach the firefighters.”
The cause of the fire is yet to be identified. The extent of the damage and possible casualties could not immediately be ascertained.
General manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Rev. Akinyemi Akinyinka, however assured that firefighters were already on the ground and the situation was under control.
Chairman of the fire service, Maroof Akinwande, also said: “We are already there.”
Fresh FM, which began operations in 2015 after receiving its licence on April 30 of the same year, is one of the most listened-to stations in Ibadan. It is renowned for its engaging talk shows, vibrant music programming and interactive audience segments.
The station now has branches in Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Akure, Osogbo and Lagos.
As of press time, the cause of the blaze and the extent of damage remain unknown.
