President Bola Tinubu has condemned the death of Arise News Television anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who lost her life following a robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.
This was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, titled ‘President Tinubu condemns the killing of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, urges security agencies to fish out the killers’.
The statement reads, “The President described the late journalist, fondly known as Sommie, as ‘a promising professional whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.’
It added, *“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives with deep sorrow the news of the tragic passing of Ms Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a brilliant news anchor with Arise News Television, who was killed during an attack by robbers at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.
“Ms Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.”*
Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms Maduagwu, the management and staff of Arise News Television, and the entire Nigerian media fraternity over the painful loss. He further noted that the tragic loss was not only personal to the family but also to the nation.
The president directed security and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those behind the killing are brought to justice without delay.
The statement added, “Security and law enforcement agencies should conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay.”
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government would continue to strengthen measures to tackle crime in all its forms.
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On Monday, ARISE News Channel announced that Maduagwu died following a violent armed robbery at her residence.
Some colleagues of the deceased revealed during Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show that the 29-year-old journalist died after she was denied medical attention despite surviving the initial attack.
Arise anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati described her death as “preventable.”
Okpe disclosed that the late journalist reportedly jumped from her home after learning that 14 armed robbers had invaded the building. She added that Sommie survived the fall but later died after allegedly being rejected by hospital staff.
She lamented, “She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot.
“She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her.”