By Jane Okafor, Abuja
Colleagues of late ARISE News reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, have recounted circumstances leading, regrettably, to her tragic death after armed men suspected to be robbers attacked her residence in Katampe area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Somtochukwu’s colleagues – Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati – gave details of the tragic incident, revealing that she reportedly got injured and bled while trying to escape during the robbery attack at her residence.
It was learnt that the late journalist jumped from her residence and fell when about 14 – man robbery gang stormed the building.
Ojy Okpe who made this known during Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, on ARISE News Channel, describing her death as a preventable one.
The incident exposed the dangers faced by journalists practicing in Nigeria and the routine failures of the country’s healthcare system to respond to emergency.
The colleagues also expressed outrage over reports that the 29-year-old reporter was not given an urgent medical attention her situation demanded at the time.
Okpe said Maduagwu reportedly jumped from her home and fell in the process when she learned that 14 armed robbers had entered the building on Monday.
Although Sommie as she was popularly called survived the fall. She died afterwards allegedly due to rejection by hospital personnel.
Okpe said, “She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot.
“She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her.”
Also, Dr Reuben Abati, decried the hospital’s conduct, describing it as acting contrary medical ethics – the Hippocratic oath which impresses on health workers to place saving life first before any other consideration.
Abati said, “This is an issue of the law in Nigeria. Anybody who is a victim of an accident… should be treated immediately.
“But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to stay faithful to their oath, which is to save lives.
“I hope the hospital is properly identified, and sanctions where appropriate are applied to those on duty… Lives could have been saved.”
…Tinubu Mourns ARISE TV Anchor Somtochukwu, Orders Probe
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow, the news of the tragic passing of Ms Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a brilliant news anchor.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to her family, the management and staff of Arise News Television, and the entire Nigerian media fraternity over this painful loss.
“Ms Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.
“Security and law enforcement agencies should conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay,” President Tinubu directed.
While sympathizing with the bereaved family, Tinubu assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of all citizens, declaring that government will continue to strengthen measures aimed at combating crime in all its forms.
…Sommie was a professional, supportive colleague and a friend to many – ARISE News
Earlier, the Management of ARISE News had announced the news of Sommie’s passing, describing it as tragic in a statement titled:Tragic Death: Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu
December 26, 1995 – September 29, 2025.
The statement signed by Hadiza Usman – Ajayi on behalf of ARISE News Channel described the late colleague as a cherished member of the ARISE News family and a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with the station’s viewers.
Usman – Ajayi noted that beyond the airways, Sommie was also a “lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.”
The statement reads in full: ”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 hours of Monday, September 29, 2025 following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.
”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 airways, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.
“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,” Usman-Ajayi stated.
