A fire outbreak has gutted parts of the premises of the Gombe Media Corporation (GMC), destroying properties and personal belongings of staff and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving with the corporation.
The incident occurred at about 3:50pm on Saturday, affecting the corporation’s old television studio, maintenance section, radio library, News Director’s office and the hostel accommodation for NYSC members serving with GMC Radio and Television.
Personnel of the state and federal fire services responded to the incident and battled to bring the fire under control.
The Director-General of GMC, Malam Ibrahim Isa, was at the scene alongside the Director-General of Press Affairs to the Gombe State Government, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, staff of the corporation, sympathisers and other members of the public.
No life was lost in the incident, although some individuals reportedly sustained minor injuries while trying to salvage their belongings and assist in the emergency response.
Speaking at the scene, Isa described the incident as unfortunate, expressing gratitude to God that no life was lost.
Some affected NYSC members, including Farida Tahir, Esther Daniel and Nasiru Joshua, said they lost valuable personal belongings, including laptops, sewing machines and important credentials.
A television cameraman and News Department artist with GMC, Irmiya Maiguwa, was among those who sustained minor injuries while assisting in efforts to contain the fire and protect property.
Affected staff members also appealed for improved fire safety arrangements and adequate emergency response facilities within the corporation to safeguard lives and property.
