Somtochukwu Maduagwu: Nigerians React Angrily as ARISE News Anchor Killed in Abuja Armed Robbery
- ARISE News confirmed the death of 29-year-old anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu after an armed robbery at her Abuja residence
- Nigerians expressed anger and grief on social media, blaming insecurity and governance failures for her killing
- Friends and citizens called for justice, urging authorities to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators swiftly
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FCT, Abuja - ARISE News Channel has announced the death of 29-year-old news anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.
This sad event was occasioned by an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 29 September.
Source: Twitter
In a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter) by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of the station’s management, the channel described the young broadcaster, fondly called Sommie, as “a cherished member of the ARISE News family and a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.”
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that an investigation into the attack is underway.
Nigerians react angrily in on social media
Nigerians have expressed outrage and grief over the killing, with many taking to social media to condemn rising insecurity in the country.
“It’s heartbreaking to see a dynamic young woman and astute journalist like Sommie fall victim to insecurity and bad governance in Nigeria. May her soul rest in peace,” wrote user @CardinalStation.
Another user, @bimbolaroyale, lamented:
“A young and promising girl cut off in her prime is a heart-wrenching story. What’s even more triggering is that, knowing Nigeria, nobody will be held accountable for this heinous crime.”
Close friends of the late journalist also shared their devastation. User @Breena_petrus wrote:
“My Sommy, words fail me. I keep calling your phone, hoping you’d pick up and say, ‘Breena, it’s all a mix-up.’ I’ve cried until there are no tears left.”
Calls for justice and accountability
Many Nigerians demanded swift justice.
“When’re the armed robbers going to be arraigned in court for trial, conviction and sentencing, or is this going to go down as one of those unresolved murder cases?” asked @Greatonodugo.
Another user, @nonsochukwu_038, stressed:
“She has been killed, murdered, assassinated and we are reporting it, so what next? The perpetrators of such acts should be fished out and brought to book, if not it will continue.”
Insecurity under scrutiny
Source: Twitter
The killing has also sparked criticism of the government’s handling of insecurity.
“Nigerian journalists have gone missing or killed under APC government more than any previous administration, and this is happening yet everyone is docile about it,” argued @FitJoe44.
User @Moriarty_Musk added:
“This country is so dangerous and unsafe that going about your daily business is a risk in itself. Abuja has become something else with skyrocketing crime rates; yet it has a Minister who focuses more on media chats where he loves the sound of his voice.”
Wike under fire over death of Somtochukwu
Calling out the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, @djokaymegamixer said:
"FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike @GovWike failed Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu in her own home. That failure sits on your desk. Leadership owns outcomes. A leader takes the credit for the good and the bad that happen under his watch."
Bandits Invade Army Estate in Abuja
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that kidnapping gangs, known locally as 'bandits' invaded an Army estate in Abuja and kidnapped people.
Legit.ng gathered that the heavily armed men invaded the estate in the night, shooting to scare residents. Despite the presence of soldiers in the area, the kidnappers reportedly went away with their abductees through the hillside.
Source: Legit.ng
