Samuel Omang
Nigeria is mourning the tragic death of Arise TV correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who died in Abuja on Monday night after jumping from the top floor of her Katampe apartment during a violent armed robbery.
The incident, which occurred at Unique Apartments, a three-storey twin building with 18 flats around the Gishiri axis of Katampe, has shocked journalists, media organizations, and citizens across the country.
The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, confirmed the details on Wednesday in an interview with Arise News, dispelling earlier reports that linked her death to hospital negligence.
“Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious,” Adewale said. “She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it.”
According to the commissioner, the robbery began when “some unknown armed robbers gained access into Unique Apartments where Sommie lived. Two private security guards were on duty. One of them, who had the courage to challenge the robbers, sustained a gunshot injury.”
He explained that in the panic that followed, Somtochukwu, who lived on the top floor of the building, leapt from the third storey in an attempt to escape the attackers. “The consequences were tragic and very unfortunate,” Adewale added.
The police chief assured that justice would be served. “We have set up a specific investigation team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation, with all tactical units involved to track down the culprits. The leads we are getting are already being worked on, and no stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The tragedy has sparked a wave of grief nationwide. Arise News, in its official statement on Tuesday, September 30, described the journalist, fondly called Sommie, as “a brilliant, passionate, and courageous correspondent whose death is a devastating loss to the media and the nation.”
Prominent Nigerians also expressed shock and sorrow. President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message, said: “The death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu is heartbreaking. She was a young, dedicated journalist whose courage and professionalism stood out. Her passing is a painful reminder of the challenges we must urgently address in our nation. I extend my deepest condolences to her family, colleagues at Arise News, and the entire media community.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also mourned her death, writing: “This is indeed a tragic and unnecessary loss. Somtochukwu was a shining light in journalism, full of promise and potential. We must ensure that her death does not go in vain by tackling the insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives.”
Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lamented the circumstances surrounding her death, saying: “This tragedy is yet another reminder of how fragile life can be under the menace of insecurity. Somtochukwu’s courage in her career inspired many young journalists. I pray for comfort for her family and call on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.”
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and several journalists have condemned the incident, pointing to the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory and alleged lapses in emergency response services.
As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, Somtochukwu’s death cast a dark shadow over celebrations, stirring fresh conversations about insecurity and the safety of citizens.
Her colleagues at Arise News summed up the nation’s grief in a heartfelt tribute: “We have lost not just a colleague but a sister and a beacon of dedication. Sommie’s light will never be forgotten.”