Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who died in an armed robbery attack at her Abuja residence on September 29.
In a condolence message addressed to Arise News Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Jonathan described Maduagwu’s death as a heartbreaking tragedy.
“Her untimely passing, at the peak of her potential, is a heartbreaking loss that will be deeply felt,” he said, urging security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
Jonathan further called for renewed commitment towards building a safer Nigeria, stressing that Maduagwu’s death should rekindle the nation’s resolve to strengthen security.
His message was echoed by Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, who described the journalist’s killing as “a grievous loss not only to the Arise News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation.” He assured that a swift investigation would be undertaken to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State also decried the incident, describing it as a “painful blow not only to Arise Television but to the wider Nigerian media landscape.” He called for the culprits to be apprehended and brought to justice, while urging the bereaved to take solace in Maduagwu’s legacy of diligence and integrity.
Similarly, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State lamented the loss of a promising journalist whose flourishing career was cut short. Otti described the act as “heinous,” while Adeleke noted that her “unwavering commitment to truth in reportage” will be remembered.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the International Press Centre (IPC) also issued statements condemning the attack and urging urgent reforms to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. NGE President, Eze Anaba, called the killing “a stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily,” while IPC Director, Lanre Arogundade, demanded a thorough probe and accountability to end the culture of impunity.
The Labour Party, in its condolence, described Maduagwu’s death as “a direct fallout of Nigeria’s distressfully intractable insecurity malaise,” urging the government to declare a state of emergency in the security sector and legislate for private detective institutes across the country.
The National Broadcasting Commission, Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and several other dignitaries also joined in mourning the late anchor, describing her as a talented professional whose impact resonated across journalism and law.
Somtochukwu Maduagwu, 29, was also a lawyer, beauty queen, and advocate, admired for her passion for journalism and commitment to excellence. Her sudden death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the country, with many describing her as one of the brightest young voices in Nigeria’s media.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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