The Nigerian media industry has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of 29-year-old Arise News anchor, reporter, and producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who died after an armed robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday, September 29, 2025.
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Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie, reportedly sustained injuries after jumping from her apartment in a desperate attempt to escape over 15 armed robbers who invaded Unique Apartments, a 16-flat compound developed by Amazing Grace Real Estate Ventures. She was rushed to Maitama District Hospital alongside a security guard, but both died shortly after.
Relatives alleged that the young journalist was denied urgent medical care because hospital staff demanded her identification documents before treatment. Additional reports suggested that police operatives who arrived at the scene could not convey her to the hospital on time due to lack of fuel in their patrol vehicle.
In a statement, Arise News described her as “a cherished colleague whose voice engaged and connected with viewers,” demanding a thorough investigation and prosecution of the attackers. Tributes poured in from colleagues, who hailed her intelligence, passion, and advocacy for social issues including out-of-school children, gender-based violence, and women’s political representation.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, condemned the killing as “a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society” and ordered a discreet investigation with a promise to deploy intelligence units to track the perpetrators. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh added that residents should promptly report suspicious activities, listing emergency numbers for quick response.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also condoled with the Maduagwu family and Arise News Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena. In his condolence letter, he described her as a “vibrant and dedicated journalist, consummate lawyer, and model of professionalism,” assuring that the government would ensure a swift probe into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Before joining Arise News in September 2024, Maduagwu had excelled in multiple fields — she was a trained lawyer, a former beauty queen who won Miss Tourism Nigeria, and later represented the country at Miss Tourism World in China in 2023. Her untimely death, just months before her 30th birthday, has reignited debate over insecurity in the FCT and systemic failings in Nigeria’s health system.
Relatives and colleagues insist that “she could have lived” if prompt medical care and adequate security response had been provided.
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