President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the killing of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, popularly known as “Sommie,” a young news anchor with Arise News Television. She was brutally murdered during a robbery at her home in Katampe, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as a cruel and condemnable act. He sent his deepest condolences to Maduagwu’s grieving family, her colleagues at Arise News, and the entire Nigerian media community. The President directed security agencies to begin an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing and to ensure that those responsible are quickly arrested and prosecuted. He reassured Nigerians that his administration is committed to protecting lives and strengthening measures to fight crime across the country.
Ms. Maduagwu was a promising and hardworking journalist whose bright future was cut short in such a cruel manner. Security agencies must act fast, investigate thoroughly, and bring the killers to justice without delay, the statement read.
The shocking death of the 29-year-old journalist has drawn reactions from top government officials and state governors, all describing the incident as a great loss to Nigeria.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said the murder was a tragic and painful loss for both the Nigerian media industry and the nation as a whole. In a message sent through his aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, to Arise News Chairman Nduka Obaigbena, the minister praised Maduagwu as a vibrant journalist, a trained lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work touched millions of Nigerians. He promised the family and the Arise News team that the Federal Government would ensure a thorough and speedy investigation.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also condemned the killing, calling it a horrendous and chilling event. Through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade, he insisted that the killers must be hunted down without delay. “For every hour that the perpetrators are left unapprehended, Nigeria suffers psychological and institutional damage. Justice must be done quickly,” the governor said.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State expressed his sorrow in a condolence letter to Arise Media Chairman Nduka Obaigbena. He said Maduagwu’s passing was not only a loss to her family and workplace but also to the entire Nigerian media. He highlighted her achievements at such a young age, noting that she had excelled as a beauty queen, a lawyer, and a television journalist. “She had a bright future ahead of her. At just 29, she combined brilliance, poise, and professionalism. This is a painful loss for all of us,” the governor said. He also emphasized that journalists must be protected as they perform their duties.
Somtochukwu Maduagwu was widely admired as one of Arise News’s promising anchors. Her colleagues described her as lively, professional, and passionate about journalism. Before joining Arise, she had made her mark in law and pageantry, showing her versatility and determination. Her death comes at a time when Abuja and surrounding areas have been facing increased insecurity, including violent robberies, One Chance attacks in commercial vehicles, and home invasions. This has raised further concerns about the safety of residents, especially young professionals like Maduagwu.
Across Nigeria, tributes have poured in for Maduagwu. Leaders, colleagues, and members of the public continue to express shock and sadness, calling for urgent steps to improve security in the capital city and across the nation. Her untimely death has not only left her family and workplace in deep grief but has also highlighted the dangers many Nigerians face daily due to rising insecurity. As investigations continue, Nigerians wait anxiously for justice, hoping that her killers will be caught and punished according to the law.
