By Jemimah Wellingon, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE NIGERIAN Guild of Editors (NGE) has demanded a swift and thorough investigation into the killing of Arise News Television Anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who died following an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, on Monday morning.
In a press release issued on Tuesday by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Editors condemned the incident and described it as a painful loss to journalism and the wider society.
The statement noted that Somtochukwu, popularly called Sommie, represented the future of journalism in Nigeria, stressing that her death highlighted the daily dangers faced by Nigerians at home and on the streets.
According to the NGE, “By Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country.
“The loss of this dedicated journalist from armed robbery incident is a stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes and on the street.
“We cannot help but reflect on the issue of insecurity that plagues our nation. The increasing frequency of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists.
“We demand action from the government to address the root causes of insecurity and take measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. We demand that those responsible for Somtochukwu’s death be fished out by security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law.
“At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with Arise News and the broader journalism community. We pray that the memory of this talented young journalist who died at her prime inspire excellence in journalism, even in the face of adversity. May the memory of this vibrant journalist be a blessing to all who knew her.”
The Nation’s First Lady Mourns
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also expressed her grief, describing the journalist’s death as painful and unfortunate.
She offered her condolences to the late journalist, Somtochukwu’s family, Chairman of Arise News Media, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
Her statement read: “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.
“I condole with the chairman Arise News Media, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, her family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. 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.”
Governor’s Abiodun and Soludo Mourns
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, also issued a condolence statement, describing the killing of the Arise News anchor as horrendous and urging security agencies to quickly apprehend the perpetrators.
Through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Governor Abiodun said: “The killing of the popular, extremely versatile and personable news anchor on Monday, September 29, 2025 during an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja is a most horrendous, chilling event whose perpetrators must be quickly tracked down and brought to justice.
“For every hour that the perpetrators are left un-apprehended, Nigeria suffers colossal mental and institutional damage. The killers must be fished out very quickly, tried and sentenced in accordance with the law.
“Sommie, 29, a lawyer and vibrant voice that engaged and connected with Nigerians on a daily basis, must not be allowed to die in vain.
“The killers must be punished most severely, and very quickly. I commiserate with her parents, family and friends, and the staffers of Arise News on this most unfortunate incident. It is my sincere prayer that Almighty God will comfort their hearts in this terrible hour and give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Similarly, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, expressed sadness over the tragic death of Somtochukwu, describing her as a distinguished daughter of the state.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor said: “The news of the tragic death of Miss Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a distinguished daughter of Anambra State, who was brutally killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, is a heartbreaking development.
“Fondly called Sommie, she was a shining star whose light has been prematurely extinguished. At just 29 years old, she had already distinguished herself as a lawyer-turned news anchor, reporter, and producer with Arise News Channel, where her vibrant voice and professional excellence connected with audiences across Nigeria and beyond. A lawyer by training and a journalist by passion, Sommie exemplified the industrious and excellence-driven spirit for which Anambra indigenes are renowned.
“That such a promising young woman, who worked diligently to inform and educate the public, should meet such a violent and senseless end is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. On behalf of the Government and the entire people of Anambra State, I extend my most sincere condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family members, friends, colleagues at Arise News Channel, and all who knew and loved her. I call on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough, swift, and transparent investigation into this heinous crime and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice expeditiously.”
Negligence By Police and Hospital Revealed
Meanwhile, fresh information has surfaced suggesting alleged negligence by the Nigerian police may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
A family friend, Kaanayo Nwachukwu, who spoke on the incident, clarified that the armed robbers raided the six-flat apartment complex where the journalist lived, moving from one apartment to another and dispossessing occupants of valuables.
He explained that Somtochukwu attempted to escape before the robbers reached her apartment. In her panic, she jumped through a window and sustained severe injuries from the fall.
Nwachukwu further alleged that when police officers eventually arrived minutes later, Somtochukwu was still alive and pleaded with them to take her to a hospital for urgent treatment.
He stated that the officers told her they could not provide assistance because there was no fuel in their patrol vehicle.
According to him, Somtochukwu managed to reach out to a family friend in Abuja since her parents reside in Port Harcourt. However, before help could arrive, she succumbed to her injuries.
He described the incident as preventable, lamenting systemic failures in Nigeria’s security apparatus.
Nwachukwu added that Somtochukwu’s birth had been a blessing to her family, as it took her mother ten years after marriage to conceive her.
She was the eldest of three children. After her secondary education in Nigeria, she studied law in the United Kingdom (UK) before returning to complete the Nigerian Law School.
In 2024, she joined Arise News, where she quickly built a promising career before her life was cut short.
