The Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner, CP Ajao Adewale, has confirmed that Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu died after jumping from the top floor of her apartment building during an armed robbery attack in Katampe, Abuja.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, CP Adewale provided detailed account of the tragic incident that occurred at Unique Apartment, a three-story twin building with 18 flats located in the Gishiri axis of Katampe, under the Mabushi Divisional Area.
According to the police commissioner, unknown armed robbers gained access to the apartment complex where Maduagwu resided. Two private security guards were on duty during the attack, with one sustaining a gunshot injury after attempting to challenge the intruders.
“Some unknown armed robbers gained access to Unique Apartments where Maduagwu lived. Two private security guards were on duty. One of them, who had the courage to challenge the robbers, sustained a gunshot injury,” Adewale explained.
The police chief stated that Maduagwu, who lived on the topmost floor of the building, jumped from the third story in panic following the robbery attack. “In the panic that followed, Maduagwu, who lived on the topmost floor of the building, jumped down from the third storey. The consequences were tragic and very unfortunate,” he said.
CP Adewale revealed that police officers who responded to the scene found Maduagwu lying unconscious and immediately transported her to Maitama General Hospital for emergency treatment.
“Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it,” the commissioner stated.
The police chief announced that a specialized investigation team has been established to track down the attackers. The team is headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) and includes personnel from all tactical units within the command.
“We have set up a specific investigation team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation, with all tactical units involved to track down the culprits,” Adewale disclosed.
The commissioner assured that investigators are actively pursuing leads related to the case and promised that authorities would pursue the perpetrators relentlessly until they are apprehended and brought to justice.
“The leads we are getting are already being worked on, and no stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he stated.
CP Adewale extended condolences to Maduagwu’s family, Arise News management, and all Nigerians affected by the incident. “FCT Command once again commiserates with the family of Sommie, the Arise News family, and Nigerians deeply touched by this ugly and disturbing incident,” he said.
The incident has raised concerns about security in residential areas of the Federal Capital Territory, particularly regarding the adequacy of private security arrangements at apartment complexes. The attack on the security guard who attempted to confront the robbers highlights the risks faced by personnel tasked with protecting residential properties.
The police investigation will likely examine how the armed robbers gained access to the secured apartment building and whether security protocols were adequate to prevent such intrusions. The findings may have implications for security practices at similar residential facilities throughout Abuja.
