Tragedy struck on Monday, September 29, as Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, a 29-year-old anchor with ARISE News, died in the Katampe area of Abuja following a violent robbery attack.
According to eyewitnesses, armed robbers invaded her apartment complex in the early hours of the morning, moving from flat to flat and dispossessing occupants of valuables. In a desperate attempt to escape, Sommie reportedly jumped from her window and sustained severe injuries.
Residents allege that when police eventually arrived, the journalist was still alive and pleaded for help, but officers declined to transport her to the hospital, citing lack of fuel in their patrol vehicle. She later died before adequate medical assistance could be provided.
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie studied law in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria to complete her legal training. She joined ARISE News in 2024, where she quickly became a rising voice in broadcast journalism. She was also the first runner-up in Miss Tourism Nigeria 2023.
ARISE News has confirmed her death in a statement, describing her as “a vibrant young journalist whose passion, energy, and brilliance resonated with viewers across Nigeria and beyond.” The station also called for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The incident has sparked outrage among colleagues, media stakeholders, and civil society groups, who have condemned both the rising insecurity in the nation’s capital and alleged negligence by law enforcement.
Sommie’s body has been deposited in a morgue in Abuja, while investigations are expected to be taken up by the FCT Police Command and other relevant authorities.
