Police Finally Unravel How Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Died: "Chaos in the Compound"
- Police confirm Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu died after jumping from her third-floor apartment during a robbery in Katampe, Abuja
- Armed robbers stormed the building, shot a security guard, and triggered panic that led the 29-year-old journalist to attempt an escape
- The FCT Police Command has launched a special investigation team, vowing to track and bring the perpetrators to justice
Arise News Channel has officially announced the tragic death of 29-year-old news anchor Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie.
According to the network, the heartbreaking incident happened during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday, 29 September.
Source: UGC
In a statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of management, ARISE News described Maduagwu as “a cherished member of the ARISE News family and a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.”
Police reveal what happened during the attack
The Nigeria Police Force has provided further clarity on the circumstances surrounding her death.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, 1 October, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, Ajao Adewale, said armed robbers gained access into “Unique Apartments, a three-storey, 18-flat building in Katampe,” where the journalist resided.
“At that point in time, two private guards were on duty. One of them summoned the courage to confront the attackers but sustained a gunshot wound. The panic that followed created chaos in the compound," Adewale explained.
The Abuja Police disclosed that Somtochukwu, who lived on the top floor of the building, attempted to escape in fear.
“Out of panic, she jumped from the third floor. Sadly, the consequences of that fall are what we are dealing with today," the Commissioner stated.
Victim rushed to hospital but pronounced dead
Source: Twitter
Police operatives responding to the distress call found the unconscious anchor on the ground and immediately rushed her to Maitama General Hospital.
“Doctors on duty did their best, including administering CPR,” Adewale said, “but unfortunately, she could not make it.”
Police launch investigation and vow justice
Adewale confirmed that the command had already launched a dedicated investigation team to track down the suspects.
“We have set up a special investigative unit led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police. All tactical resources are being deployed. No stone will be left unturned to ensure those responsible for this dastardly act are brought to justice," he assured.
The police urged the public to remain calm, promising that progress reports on the investigation would be shared in due course.
Criminologist shares safety tactics as urban robberies rise
A criminologist, Oluwatobi Akano, has stressed the need for Nigerians to adopt multiple safety strategies as violent robberies continue to threaten urban communities.
Akano told Legit.ng that while the government holds the primary duty of ensuring safety, communities have begun developing what he described as “strategies of layered protection” to cope with rising insecurity.
He explained that many neighborhoods now rely on vigilance networks, estate security committees, and local vigilante groups to “offset gaps within policing initiatives.”
The criminologist also noted that technology is playing an increasing role in deterring crime.
According to him:
“CCTV cameras, burglar alarms, electric fences, and dogs now increasingly deter robbers in inner-city centers like Lagos and Abuja.”
Beyond security devices, Akano urged residents to adopt personal safety habits such as avoiding late-night outings and paying attention to strangers around them. He added that even where distrust of authorities exists, citizens should still report suspicious activity to law enforcement and demand accountability.
He further observed that middle-class families are now turning to financial safeguards.
As he put it:
“Middle-class families now purchase security insurance and contingency planning.”
Nigerians react to death of Somtochukwu
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians on social media have expressed outrage and grief over the killing, with many taking to social media to condemn rising insecurity in the country.
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, September 29.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a criminologist for this report.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
