President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly condemned the tragic death of Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a 29-year-old news anchor with Arise News Television, who was killed following an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Maduagwu as “a promising professional whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.”
Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to Maduagwu’s family, the management and staff of Arise News, and the wider Nigerian media community. He stressed that the loss was not only personal to her loved ones but also a painful blow to the nation.
The President directed security and law enforcement agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation, ensuring that those responsible are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
“Security and law enforcement agencies must conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay,” the statement read.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the government will continue to strengthen security measures to curb crime across the country.
Colleagues Describe Death as Preventable
While Arise News officially announced Maduagwu’s passing on Monday, her colleagues provided additional details during Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show. Anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati described the journalist’s death as “tragic and preventable.”
According to Okpe, Maduagwu reportedly jumped from her home after learning that 14 armed robbers had invaded the building. Though she survived the fall, she later died after allegedly being denied medical treatment at a hospital.
“She did not die on the spot. She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her,” Okpe lamented.
The circumstances surrounding her death have since raised public outcry over hospital negligence and broader concerns about insecurity in the nation’s capital.
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