The grieving family of late ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has urged the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly in unmasking and prosecuting those responsible for her tragic death.
Their appeal came during a condolence visit by senior executives of ARISE News to the family home in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Sommie, as she was fondly called, died on September 29 during an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja.
The 29-year-old lawyer-turned-broadcaster’s death has sparked outrage and sorrow across Nigeria’s media industry, where she was admired for her brilliance, poise, and professionalism.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Engineer Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, described the killing as senseless and painful. “We appreciate the solidarity shown by ARISE ZANews, but we also demand justice. Those who did this must be found and brought to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The ARISE delegation, led by Deputy Managing Director Bayo Awosemo, Director of News Sumner Sambo, and Director of Corporate Services Chris Isiguzo, paid tribute to Sommie as a rising star with a strong moral compass, an exceptional work ethic, and a deep commitment to truth and justice. They conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the entire Arise Media Group to the bereaved family. Sommie’s mother was visibly distraught, while her father, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, was too grief-stricken to speak. Friends, extended family, and sympathisers gathered at the residence, describing her as respectful, intelligent, and principled—a beacon of hope for young Nigerian professionals.
Tributes continue to pour in from across the country. Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed deep sorrow, describing her passing as “a heartbreaking tragedy.” He urged security agencies to investigate thoroughly and ensure justice, saying her untimely death “at the peak of her potential” was a national loss.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti called the killing “heinous” and demanded that “the perpetrators of the heinous crime are unmasked, brought to justice and made to pay for their action.”
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule described the act as “a painful blow not only to Arise Television but to the wider Nigerian media landscape,” urging Nigerians to take solace in her legacy of diligence and integrity.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said her death was “a grievous loss not only to the Arise News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke said he was “deeply shaken” by the killing, describing Sommie as “a young journalist who demonstrated unwavering commitment to truth in her reportages.” Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda also paid tribute, calling her “a bright light in journalism.”
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the International Press Centre (IPC) condemned the killing. NGE President Eze Anaba said it was “a stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily,” while IPC Director Lanre Arogundade called for an independent probe to ensure accountability.
Political parties and professional associations also joined in mourning. The Labour Party said the killing was another sign of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and called for urgent reforms, including a state of emergency on security and legislation to establish private detective institutes.
The National Broadcasting Commission, Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde all issued condolence messages, praising Sommie as a vibrant professional who embodied the promise of a new generation of journalists.
Sommie’s tragic death has reignited national debate on insecurity, with her family, colleagues, and leaders across the country demanding swift justice to honour her memory and end impunity.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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