By Augustine Akhilomen
…Promises Swift Investigation
…As Gov Mbah Mourns Somtochukwu, Condoles With Arise News Family
… Arise TV Mourns News Anchor
…Police Probe Somtochukwu’s Death In Abuja
Information minister Mohammed Idris has described the tragic death of ARISE news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu as a grievous loss not only to the ARISE News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation.
In a condolence letter personally signed by Idris to the Chairman of the Arise News channel, Chief Nduka Obaigbena and issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim on Tuesday in Abuja, the minister gave assurances for a “swift investigation” to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the late news anchor.
“I write to convey our deepest condolences to you and the entire ARISE News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.
“By every account, she was a vibrant and a dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
“I am saddened by the heinous incident that cut down a promising young journalist in her prime.
“Ms Somtochukwu’s tragic death is a grievous loss not only to the ARISE News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation,” Idris said.
The Minister extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor, and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has, however, launched an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the death of Arise News’ anchor, producer, and reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, following an armed robbery attack in her residence in Katampe District, Abuja, describing it as a heavy loss to both her medium and the entire Nigerian media industry.
The governor, who condemned the incident on Monday, condoled with her immediate family, Arise News, and the nation’s media industry as a whole, urging security agencies to do everything within their powers to bring the culprits to book.
“I received with shock and a deep sense of loss the news of Somtochukwu’s tragic death. This is highly condemnable. It is reprehensible and cowardly. At 29, she had already established herself in the nation’s media space. She was a consummate professional and lit millions of screens with her superb delivery.
“Indeed, a shining light has been extinguished too soon, a budding superstar has been cut down, and I call on the security agencies to do everything within their powers to track down her killers and bring them to book,” he stated.
He condoled with Somtochukwu’s immediate family, the Arise News family, and the Nigerian media industry, and also prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.
However, tributes have continued to pour in for 29-year-old ARISE TV anchor and Lawyer Somtochukwu Maduagwu who died in a robbery attack in Abuja on Monday.
In a fresh statement by ARISE News, Maduagwu had joined the media firm in September 2024 as a news anchor, producer, and reporter, where she made significant contributions.
“In September 2024, she joined the ARISE NEWS team, where she has made her voice count as a News Anchor, News Producer, and a Reporter,” the statement reads.
The deceased fondly called ‘Sommie’, was known for her advocacy work, particularly in promoting the rights of out-of-school children and campaigning against s3xual and gender-based violence.
In a video shared on Tuesday, one notable example of her advocacy was her involvement in submitting a memorandum for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill at the National Assembly.
“There, Sommie, alongside millions of other Nigerian women, advocated for a stronger representation for Nigerian women at the National Assembly,” the station said.
Maduagwu’s background includes winning the Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant, which led to her appearance on ARISE TV, and representing Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World pageant in Quanzhou, China, in 2023.
“Through a blend of her legal dexterity and reportorial vigour, Sommie advocated for out-of-school children and campaigned energetically against sexual and gender-based violence.
“Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory”, the station added.
The FCT Police have confirmed that an investigation into the incident has begun.
Maduagwu’s untimely death has sparked widespread grief and renewed calls for action against insecurity in Nigeria.
Her colleagues at ARISE Television described her as “delectable, intelligent, and bold,” noting that her contributions to the station and the nation will not be forgotten.