ARISE News has confirmed the tragic death of one of its anchors, reporters, and producers, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29.
The 29-year-old journalist, fondly called Sommie by colleagues, was also a trained lawyer. Her passing has left colleagues and friends deeply shaken.
In a statement issued by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of the station’s management, ARISE News described Maduagwu as “a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.”
The management added, “Her 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.”
The station noted that Maduagwu was more than a broadcaster, stressing that her professionalism and commitment also shone through her legal background. Condolences were extended to her family, friends, and colleagues.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident.
Her death underscores the worsening security situation in Abuja, where violent crimes have continued to unsettle residents.
A report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting in August highlighted the capital’s struggles with robberies, kidnappings, cult-related clashes, and “one-chance” attacks, despite repeated assurances of improved policing.
In Katampe and nearby Mpape, residents have for months lamented being under siege by armed robbers, with frequent accounts of midnight home invasions and brutal street attacks.
In April, gunmen raided a hotel in Mpape, targeting and robbing a driver attached to the Zamfara State governor’s convoy. Police later confirmed the arrest of the suspects involved.
Abuja has also remained plagued by the menace of one-chance robberies, in which criminals pose as taxi operators to dispossess unsuspecting passengers of their belongings—often with fatal outcomes.
In July, the family of Freda Arnong, a young woman who lost her life in one of such attacks, publicly demanded justice.
Her killing revived painful memories of Greatness Olorunfemi, who was similarly murdered in a one-chance robbery incident in the capital less than two years ago.
