An Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has died following an armed robbery attack at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja on Monday.
Details of the tragic incident were disclosed by her colleague, Ojinika Okpe, during the television station’s morning show on Tuesday. Okpe revealed that Maduagwu, known as Sommie to friends and colleagues, did not die immediately at the scene but succumbed to her injuries after being turned away from a hospital.
According to information provided by Arise News’ Abuja correspondent, approximately 14 armed robbers invaded Maduagwu’s residence, causing panic that led to the fatal sequence of events. The journalist reportedly jumped from her home in an attempt to escape when she learned of the intruders’ presence.
“I reached out to our correspondent in Abuja, who detailed the circumstances surrounding Sommie’s death. According to her, the criminal elements numbering about 14 invaded the house, throwing the deceased into panic,” Okpe explained during the broadcast.
“She jumped from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers came to her house. She didn’t die on the spot, she went to the hospital, but she was rejected,” Okpe added, highlighting the additional tragedy of medical care being denied.
The FCT Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, provided official confirmation that Maduagwu was brought to Maitama General Hospital at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Monday but was already deceased upon arrival. Fasawe indicated that a preliminary medical report would be prepared and handed over to police to support their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed condolences over the journalist’s death in a statement released through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, on Tuesday. The minister described Maduagwu’s death as painful and tragic for both her media colleagues and the nation as a whole.
Wike offered prayers for the repose of the deceased journalist’s soul and assured that police would conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to identify and bring those responsible to justice. The former Rivers State governor emphasized that her loss extends beyond Arise News to impact the broader Nigerian media community and the country at large.
The incident has raised serious questions about security in the Katampe area of Abuja and the adequacy of emergency medical response in the capital city. The reported rejection of the injured journalist at a hospital has particularly drawn concern about healthcare access during emergencies.
Maduagwu’s death adds to growing concerns about the safety of journalists and media professionals in Nigeria, as well as broader security challenges facing residents of the Federal Capital Territory despite its status as the nation’s administrative center.
