By Ghazali Ibrahim
Arise News Channel has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of its young journalist, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during a violent armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.
Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, was just 29 years old. She was not only a lawyer by training but also a dynamic broadcaster who had become a familiar and trusted face on Nigerian television screens as a news anchor, reporter, and producer.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the management of Arise News described her passing as “a devastating loss.”
“It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the Arise News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, following an armed robbery incident in her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police,” the statement read.
The station praised her not only for her on-screen presence but also for her warmth and professionalism behind the scenes.
“Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the Arise News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers. Beyond the airwaves, she was a lawyer, a supportive colleague, and a friend to many.”
Tributes have since poured in from fellow journalists, civil society leaders, and members of the legal community, many of whom highlighted her brilliance, dedication, and promise as a rising star.
Social media has also been flooded with messages of grief, alongside calls for swift justice and greater security for residents in Abuja and across Nigeria.
Arise News said it would continue to honor her memory:
“We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits.”
Maduagwu’s death has reignited concerns about rising insecurity in the nation’s capital, with observers urging authorities to prioritize the safety of citizens and ensure accountability in her case.
