ARISE TV Anchor Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu Dies Following Armed Robbery in Abuja
The Nigerian media industry is mourning the tragic loss of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old anchor, reporter, and producer at ARISE TV, who died after sustaining injuries during a violent armed robbery at her Katampe, Abuja residence.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, has ignited nationwide outrage over rising insecurity, delayed police response, and alleged hospital negligence, leading to high-level investigations and widespread calls for accountability.
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Fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues and viewers, she was born on December 26, 1995, and quickly established herself as one of Nigeria’s most promising young journalists.
A British-trained barrister, she combined her legal background with a passion for journalism, championing social causes such as education for out-of-school children, gender equality, and women’s representation in governance.
Her recent reporting included the Submission of a Memorandum for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill at the National Assembly on September 21, where she amplified calls for more inclusive policies.
Before joining ARISE TV in September 2024, Sommie had built a diverse career. She worked as a political consultant with VIISUAS and held positions as a legal executive and assistant company secretary.
She first stepped into the public eye through pageantry, winning Miss Tourism Nigeria and representing the country at the Miss Tourism World pageant in China in 2023. ARISE TV described her as “delectable, intelligent, and bold,” qualities that shone through in her engaging screen presence and fearless reporting style.
The fatal incident unfolded when armed robbers stormed her home. Reports indicate that in an attempt to escape, Sommie leapt from her building, suffering critical injuries. An estate security guard, Mr. Barnabas, was also killed during the attack.
Eyewitnesses allege that distress calls to the police were either delayed or ignored, worsening the tragedy. To compound matters, she was rushed to a hospital in Abuja, where staff reportedly refused immediate treatment, insisting on a police report before providing care. Colleagues, including ARISE TV anchor Ojy Okpe, have condemned this negligence, claiming it contributed directly to her death.
Her passing has sparked grief and outrage across Nigeria. On social media, hashtags like #WikeSecureAbujaNow trended as citizens demanded stronger security measures. A haunting post she shared a month earlier resurfaced: “I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about.” Many now see it as an eerie reflection of the insecurity that ultimately led to her downfall.
Tributes have poured in from across the country. Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen described her as a “rising star” and called for a thorough probe, while Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu emphasized the need for justice.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive investigation, with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and several governors, including Peter Mbah and Uba Sani, pledging to address security concerns. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), alongside federal authorities, also expressed deep sorrow.
The FCT Police Command, led by CP Ajao Adewale, has vowed to track down the perpetrators, condemning the robbery as a “cruel and senseless act.” Information Minister Mohammed Idris has assured the public that accountability will follow.
Sommie’s death has become a symbol of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and systemic failures—from inadequate policing to hospital protocols that prioritize bureaucracy over saving lives.
Beyond the tragedy, her legacy endures as a testament to her bold advocacy for justice, education, and women’s rights. Her story has intensified calls for reforms to ensure that no one else suffers a similar fate.
