The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, on Wednesday, confirmed that Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor with Arise TV, jumped from the third floor of her apartment during an armed robbery at her residence.
Somtochukwu, popularly known as Sommie, died on Monday following the attack at her home in Katampe, Abuja. She and a private security guard attached to the residence lost their lives in the incident.
Residents described the attack as part of a growing wave of robberies in the area. According to them, the robbers stormed the building around 3am, overpowered security personnel with superior firepower, and went from flat to flat, dispossessing occupants of their valuables.
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Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Adewale explained that the gunmen first shot a security guard, which triggered widespread panic among residents.
He said Sommie, who lived on the third floor, “out of fear and panic,” jumped from her apartment.
Police officers deployed to the scene later found her unconscious on the ground, the commissioner added.
Adewale said, “Two private security guards were on duty and one of them, who had the courage to challenge them, sustained a gunshot injury.
“Under this condition, you know the panic that would have resulted from this kind of environment.
“Sommie actually occupied an apartment on the topmost floor of the building, out of fear, she jumped down from the third floor.
“A distress call was raised to the control room. Policemen moved to the scene, and all they could see was the unconscious body of Sommie on the floor.”
He said Sommie was rushed to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors attempted to resuscitate her but were unsuccessful despite administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The police commissioner emphasised that the incident was a clear case of armed robbery, citing evidence recovered from the scene.
He further clarified that Sommie was not shot during the attack but tragically died after jumping from the third floor in fear and panic.
“It is obvious that it is a clear case of robbery. Sommie was not shot, out of fear and panic, it is normal and reasonable for everyone, she jumped down.
“They took her to Maitama General Hospital, where the doctor on duty tried as much as possible to see whether they could resuscitate her using CPR. It is unfortunate that she did not make it,” he said.
