President Bola Tinubu and several Nigerians have mourned the tragic death of an Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.
Maduagwu, a 29-year-old journalist lost her life during an armed robbery at her residence in Abuja’s Katampe area on Monday night.
On Monday, ARISE News Channel announced that Maduagwu died following a violent armed robbery at her residence.
Some colleagues of the Arise News anchor, Maduagwu, on Tuesday gave more information on the situation surrounding the demise.
Arise anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati, revealed that the 29-year-old journalist died after she was denied medical attention after sustaining injuries during a robbery attack at her residence.
Okpe revealed that the late journalist reportedly jumped from her home after learning that 14 armed robbers had invaded the building.
She added that Sommie survived the fall but later died after allegedly being rejected by hospital staff.
She said: “She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot.
“She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her.”
Reacting to the demise of the Arise News anchor, Maduagwu, Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, called on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators in the case.
The statement reads: “The President described the late journalist, fondly known as Sommie, as ‘a promising professional whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives with deep sorrow the news of the tragic passing of Ms Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a brilliant news anchor with Arise News Television, who was killed during an attack by robbers at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.
“Ms Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.
Also, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed the tragic demise of the Arise News anchor, Maduagwu.
The Police Command described the incident as “a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society.”
Commissioner of Police Ajao S. Adewale has also ordered “a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” and deployed intelligence assets to ensure the perpetrators are tracked and apprehended. He urged residents to provide “timely and useful information” to assist the investigation and pledged that “every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in his heartfelt tribute said: “We offer our sincere condolences to the families of Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and the management and staff of Arise News Channel for this tragic loss. May God Almighty comfort you all at this difficult moment.”
Likewise, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, also expressed his pain at the news, describing the late anchor’s death as “tragic and painful.” He assured that the Police would unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, stressing that “the death of Somtochukwu was not only a loss to the Arise News family, but to the Nigerian media and the entire nation as a whole.”
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State mourned Somtochukwu as “a shining star whose light has been prematurely extinguished.” He said: “At just 29 years old, she had already distinguished herself as a lawyer-turned-News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with Arise News Channel, where her vibrant voice and professional excellence connected with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.” Soludo called for a “thorough, swift, and transparent investigation” to ensure those responsible are “apprehended and brought to justice expeditiously.”
The Kogi State Government, in a statement signed by Commissioner Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described her as “a consummate professional who carried out her duties with passion, brilliance, and a deep sense of responsibility.” The government urged security agencies to ensure “the perpetrators of the crime are swiftly brought to justice.”
