The Nigerian media industry has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old lawyer and rising broadcast journalist with Arise News, who died in Abuja on Monday while attempting to escape suspected armed robbers.
Fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues, Maduagwu reportedly jumped from the balcony of her Katampe residence in a desperate attempt to evade the intruders. Her sudden passing has sparked grief across the country, with political leaders, colleagues, and ordinary citizens paying tribute to a life cut short in its prime.
In its statement on Tuesday, the management of Arise News described Maduagwu as “delectable, intelligent and bold,” recalling how she had first come into public view as Miss Tourism Nigeria before representing the country at the Miss Tourism World pageant in Quanzhou, China, in 2023.
By September 2024, she officially joined Arise as a news anchor, producer, and reporter. In her short but impactful career, she blended her legal training with journalism, advocating for out-of-school children and energetically campaigning against sexual and gender-based violence.
Her commitment to social justice was also evident when she submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly on September 21, 2024, supporting the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. “Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory,” the station said.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described Maduagwu as “one of the nation’s young and brilliant minds in the journalism profession,” lamenting that her life was “cut short in her prime.” She extended condolences to her family, friends, and the Arise team, expressing hope that those behind the incident would be brought to justice.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also shared his grief via X, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the loss. “My condolences go to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Maduagwu, an Arise TV newscaster who was killed in an armed robbery attack in Abuja,” he wrote.
Similarly, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described her as “a brilliant young anchor and trained lawyer whose voice engaged, informed, and inspired many.” He called her death “a huge blow to journalism and to our nation,” stressing that no Nigerian should live in fear of insecurity.
The FCT Police Command has confirmed that an investigation is underway. Its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said law enforcement was committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding her death.
On social media, viewers and admirers have flooded timelines with messages of sorrow and admiration, celebrating her courage and professionalism. Many also used the occasion to call for urgent measures to address rising insecurity across the country.
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