Samuel Omang
The quiet streets of Katampe, Abuja, turned into a scene of horror in the early hours of Monday when Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a vibrant young news anchor with ARISE TV, lost her life in a brutal armed robbery attack at her residence.
Fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues, the 29-year-old broadcaster was more than just a face on television. She was a rising star, a trained lawyer, and a beloved colleague whose warmth and brilliance lit up every newsroom she walked into. Her sudden death has left Abuja reeling and her workplace in shock.
Inside ARISE TV, the grief was palpable. The station’s management, in a statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi, described her as “a cherished member of the ARISE News family” whose passion and voice had deeply connected with audiences across Nigeria. “Her voice is now silent,” the statement read, “but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory.”
The tragedy has sparked outrage far beyond the newsroom. Friends and colleagues describe her as a supportive professional, one whose future was full of promise. That promise was cut short in the most violent way, raising once again the question of safety in the nation’s capital.
At the scene, neighbors spoke of fear and disbelief. Abuja, long considered the country’s safe political heart, has increasingly been rattled by violent crimes and daring robberies. For many residents, Somtochukwu’s killing was not just the loss of a journalist but a painful reminder that insecurity is creeping ever closer to their homes.
Police in the Federal Capital Territory have opened an investigation into the attack, but as of press time, no official update had been given. The silence has only deepened frustration among citizens demanding justice.
Somtochukwu’s death leaves behind unanswered questions—about the perpetrators, about the city’s fragile security, and about how such a bright flame could be extinguished so suddenly. For her family, colleagues in Arise News, and viewers, it is a wound that will take a long time to heal.