- It’s ‘regrettable and a grievous loss’ – Information Minister
BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS – Condolence messages have continued to pour in over the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, a news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News Channel, killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, on Monday, 29th September 2025.
With the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) taking the lead among those expressing deep shock and sorrow at the unfortunate incident, other sympathisers include the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu and his Kaduna State counterpart, Senator Uba Sani
In a statement titled: “CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE TRAGIC DEATH OF SOMTOCHUKWU CHRISTELLE MADUAGWU” and signed by its National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the NUJ condemned the heinous act and urged “the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.”
According to the Union, “Nigerians deserve to live and work in safety, and government must prioritise the security of lives and property as a matter of urgent responsibility.”
The NUJ said, “At only 29 years of age, Sommie was a brilliant, passionate, and dedicated professional who brought intellect, warmth, and integrity to her work”.
Also noting that Sommie was “a lawyer, a supportive colleague, and a source of inspiration to many”, the Union said, “Her passing is not just a painful loss to her family and colleagues at ARISE News, but to the entire journalism profession and our nation at large.”
Comrade Abdullahi further said, “On behalf of all journalists in Nigeria, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, colleagues at ARISE News, and her many friends.
“We pray that Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and that Sommie’s soul rests in perfect peace.”
Similarly, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has expressed deep grief over the death of Maduagwu, describing it as a heavy loss to both her medium and the entire Nigerian media industry.
In condemning the Monday’s incident, Governor Mbah condoled with her immediate family, Arise News and the nation’s media industry as a whole, urging security agencies to do everything within their powers to bring the culprits to book.
He said: “I received with shock and a deep sense of loss the news of Somtochukwu’s tragic death. This is highly condemnable. It is reprehensible and cowardly. At 29, she had already established herself in the nation’s media space. She was a consummate professional and lit millions of screens with her superb delivery.
“Indeed, a shining light has been extinguished too soon, a budding superstar has been cut down, and I call on the security agencies to do everything within their powers to track down her killers and bring them to book”.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of Somtochukwu’s soul.
On his part, the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani wrote in a letter to the Chairman of THISDAY/ARISE Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, saying: “It is with a heavy heart, profound sorrow, and deep sense of loss that I received the heartbreaking news of the tragic and untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie, a gifted news anchor, lawyer, and rising light of Nigeria’s media landscape.
“Sommie’s brutal murder during an armed robbery at her home in Katampe, Abuja, is not only a grievous blow to her family, friends and colleagues at ARISE News and THISDAY Group, but also a national tragedy. A promising life, brimming with purpose, passion, and brilliance, was snatched away in an act of cowardice and unprovoked violence.
“At just 29, Sommie had already distinguished herself as a consummate professional: intelligent, poised, warm, and articulate. Whether reporting the headlines or engaging viewers on critical issues, her presence was magnetic. She had a rare ability to connect with Nigerians across class, region and creed; a true daughter of the soil whose voice resonated in living rooms, hearts, and minds across the country.
“Sommie was more than a journalist. She was a trained lawyer, a vibrant soul, a sister, a daughter, a friend. Her commitment to truth, justice and humanity shone through every story she told, every word she spoke. Her tragic demise leaves a void that words cannot fill.
“To Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ARISE News and THISDAY Group, and the entire management and staff, I extend my deepest condolences. May you find strength in knowing that Sommie’s legacy of excellence and integrity endures.
“To her grieving parents, siblings, and loved ones, no parent should bury their child. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be comforted by her beautiful memories and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her.
“As a nation, we must rise in one voice to demand justice. Her killers must not escape accountability. Nigeria cannot continue to bury its best and brightest. Goodnight, dear Sommie. You were light. You were ours. And now, you are forever.”
Also conveying the Federal Government’s condolences, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the killing of Maduagwu, as regrettable and a grievous loss not only to her immediate family and the Arise News group, but to the Nigerian media fraternity and indeed the nation.
In a condolence letter he signed and addressed to the Chairman of the Arise News channel, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, the Minister stated, “I write to convey our deepest condolences to you and the entire ARISE News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who by every account was a vibrant and a dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.”
Idris, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Rabiu Ibrahim said he was saddened by the “heinous incident that cut down a promising young journalist in her prime,” adding that “Ms Somtochukwu’s tragic death is a grievous loss not only to the ARISE News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation.
“The Federal Government condemns in the strongest terms the circumstances surrounding her death. We share your demand for justice and assure you that the security agencies are fully abreast of the matter. A thorough and swift investigation is already underway to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for this despicable act.”
Idris further extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor, and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that the Nigeria Police have already launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and death of Sommie.
On Monday, September 29, 2025, the management of ARISE News Television announced the tragic death of its news anchor, reporter, and producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja.
In an official condolence letter by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of ARISE News management, the station described Maduagwu as “a cherished member of the ARISE News family and a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.”
It further stated: “Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer, a professional and supportive colleague, and a friend to many. We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.
“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 management said her passing was a devastating loss to the entire ARISE News team and expressed confidence that justice would be served.
