From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow and shock over the tragic death of Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a talented news anchor with Arise News Television, who was attacked whose residence was invaded by armed robbers and she died from injuries sustained at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, while fleeing from being attacked.
In a statement released on Tuesday, by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the management and staff of Arise News, and the entire Nigerian media fraternity.
The President described Ms. Maduagwu as “a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.” He called on security and law enforcement agencies to “conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay.” President Tinubu also assured Nigerians that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to strengthen measures to combat crime in all its forms.
Joining the President in mourning, First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu took to social media expressing her grief: “I woke up to the sad news of the unfortunate and untimely death of one of our young and brilliant minds in the journalism profession, Somtochukwu Maduagwu. Her death is painful and quite unfortunate. She has been cut down in her prime.”
She also extended her sympathies to the Arise News chairman, Nduka Obaigbena, the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
She added, “It is my hope and prayer that the perpetrators will be apprehended as soon as possible and brought to book. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give her family, and all her dear ones the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, also commiserated with the Arise News team and the nation, describing Somtochukwu’s death as “tragic and painful.”
Through a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike prayed for the repose of the journalist’s soul and assured that the police would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice. He said, “The death of Somtochukwu was not only a loss to the Arise News family but to the Nigerian media and the entire nation as a whole. I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in its prime. It is sad!”
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who Somtochukwu was covering at the time of her death, expressed deep sorrow and condemned the circumstances harshly. Describing the loss as “painful and devastating,” the Minister said, “Somtochukwu’s dedication, professionalism, and vibrant personality marked her as a promising journalist whose career and life were cut short in the most cruel and unacceptable manner.” She extended her condolences to the Arise News staff and family, urging them to “draw strength from Somtochukwu’s enduring legacy of commitment to truth, justice, and national development.”
The Minister charged security agencies “to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring they face the full weight of the law.” She concluded with a heartfelt tribute: “Such a bright candle has been blown out in her prime. Nigeria has lost a young woman of talent, courage, and promise. On behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs, I extend our deepest condolences to her family, colleagues, and the entire Arise News family. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
According to the FCTA Mandate Secretary on Health, Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday. Preliminary medical reports will be shared with the police to aid their investigation.
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