By Wealth Oghenemaro
The Nigerian media industry has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her home in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday.
Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie by colleagues and friends, was only 29 years old.
Born on December 26, 1995, she combined brilliance, poise, and professionalism to build a rising career in broadcast journalism. Before joining television, she trained and qualified as a lawyer—an academic foundation that gave her reporting and analysis an uncommon depth.
Her sudden death has left a huge void at Arise News, where she worked as a news anchor, reporter, and producer. In a statement on Monday, the station’s management described the incident as “a devastating blow.”
“It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the Arise News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu,” the statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi read.
“Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police. Sommie’s 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 Nigeria Police have since confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the attack that claimed the life of the young journalist.
