Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu — popularly known as “Sommie” — a news anchor, reporter and producer with ARISE News, has died after an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja, the broadcaster confirmed.
ARISE said Maduagwu was killed in the early hours of Monday, September 29, and described her as “a cherished member of the ARISE News family” whose voice engaged and connected with viewers. The broadcaster called for a thorough investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Multiple national outlets reporting on the incident say the attack occurred during an armed robbery at her home in Katampe and that the Nigeria Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Maduagwu was 29 years old; ARISE’s notice and other reports give her date of birth as December 26, 1995. Colleagues and media organisations have paid tribute to her work as a broadcaster and producer and expressed shock at the loss of a young journalist.
Journalists’ bodies and colleagues have urged a speedy, forensic investigation into the killing. The FCT chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for forensic scrutiny of the scene and full accountability for the perpetrators.
The tragic death has prompted an outpouring of condolences across social media and within Nigeria’s media community. Authorities said they are investigating and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward as police work to establish the full facts.
Sign up here with your email
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon