Nigeria’s media space is in mourning after the shocking death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a young broadcast journalist with Arise News Channel.
She was killed during a robbery attack at her residence in the highbrow Katampe area of Abuja, in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.
A Rising Star Gone Too Soon
Somtochukwu, fondly called “Sommie,” was only 29 years old. She was born on December 26, 1995, and first trained as a lawyer before switching careers to journalism. Those who knew her say she carried her legal discipline into broadcasting—sharp, articulate, and fearless in her storytelling.
At Arise News, she worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer. Colleagues remember her as a “vibrant voice” and a warm presence in the newsroom.
In a statement, Arise News management described her as “a cherished member of the Arise family whose spirit, passion, and legacy will endure.”
The Robbery That Claimed Her Life
Details of the robbery are still coming in, but security sources confirmed that gunmen broke into her Katampe residence and attacked in the early hours of the morning.
Fellow anchor lady at Arise TV, Ojy Okpe, claimed preliminary investigation reveals Ms Somtochukwu “…jumped from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She didn’t die on the spot; she went to the hospital, and she was rejected.“
Police have since launched an investigation, but no official statement has yet been made.
The tragedy has fueled conversations about worsening insecurity in Abuja and across Nigeria.
If a journalist in a supposedly secure neighborhood could be targeted, what hope remains for ordinary citizens living in less protected areas?
Shockwaves Across Nigeria
The death of “Sommie” has left colleagues and friends shattered. Many recall her energy, her constant smile, and her ability to lift spirits in the newsroom even during long hours of breaking news.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council described her passing as “a devastating loss not only to her immediate family and Arise News but to the entire Nigerian media industry.”
The NUJ added: “Somtochukwu was a brilliant, passionate, and dedicated broadcaster. She represented the best of a new generation of Nigerian journalists, bold, ethical, and committed to the truth.”
The union asked the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a “thorough forensic investigation” into her killing and ensure the culprits face justice.
Condolences From Government
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, joined in mourning. In a letter to Arise Chairman Nduka Obaigbena, he called her death “a grievous loss not only to Arise News but to the Nigerian media and the nation.”
He pledged a “swift investigation” into the circumstances of her murder and extended sympathy to her family, colleagues, and friends.
A Career of Promise
Somtochukwu’s story was one of rare determination. After leaving law, she joined Arise News as a young reporter, working her way up to become an anchor admired for her poise and sharp interviews.
Her colleagues say she always had her sights set on reshaping Nigerian journalism into something more ethical and people-focused. Her shows were known for engaging viewers in plain, relatable language.
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