Breaking: Police Finally Unravel How Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Died, "Chaos in the Compound"

Breaking: 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.

The Nigerian Police Force reveals how Arise News anchor Somtochukwu dies in Abuja armed robbery incident.
Police give chilling account of Arise TV presenter Somtochukwu’s death during Abuja robbery attack. Photo credit: Nurphotos/@Arisetv
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

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"We thought we're untouchable": Neighbour of late Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu shares fresh detail

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

Police explain how Somtochukwu was taken Maitama hospital after the allegedly fell from 3-stroey building.
Police say Somtochukwu was taken to Maitama Hospital following reports she fell from a three-storey apartment. Photo credit: @Arisetv
Source: Twitter

Police operatives responding to the distress call found the unconscious anchor on the ground and immediately rushed her to Maitama General Hospital.

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Eyewitness shares first thing she did after seeing Arise TV anchor lying on ground after robbery

“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.

Nigerians react to death of Somtochukwu

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians in 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.

Read also

Sommie Maduagwu: Family friend shares what allegedly led to Arise TV anchor’s death after robbery

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.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944