President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday strongly condemned the killing of Ms. Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a news anchor with Arise News Television, urging security agencies to swiftly bring her killers to justice.
The President described Maduagwu’s death during a robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, as “cruel and condemnable.”
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended condolences to her family, Arise News staff, and the broader media community.
The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu condemns the killing of Arise News Anchor Maduagwu, urges security agencies to fish out the killers,’ called for a “quick and thorough investigation” and pledged his government’s commitment to citizen safety and crime suppression.
“Ms. Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner. 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,” the statement read.
The President also assured Nigerians that his administration would continue strengthening measures to combat crime in all its forms and maintain citizens’ security.
Maduagwu, 29, was reportedly attacked in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, at her Katampe apartment.
Arise News described the incident as an armed robbery, which has been referred to the police for investigation.
Her death comes amid rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, which in recent months has witnessed violent robberies, coordinated “One Chance” attacks on commercial vehicles, and home invasions.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed deep sorrow over the death, describing it as “a tragic and painful loss for both the Nigerian media industry and the nation at large.”
In a statement by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris wrote to Arise News Chairman Nduka Obaigbena. Expressing “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 assured the victim’s family of a thorough and swift investigation and extended “heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor.”
Also, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the killing as “a most horrendous event that must be quickly unraveled in the interest of justice.”
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor urged security agencies to work together to apprehend the perpetrators.
“The killing of the popular, extremely versatile and personable news anchor on Monday, September 29, 2025, during an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja is a most horrendous, chilling event whose perpetrators must be quickly tracked down and brought to justice.
“For every hour that the perpetrators are left un-apprehended, Nigeria suffers colossal mental and institutional damage. The killers must be fished out very quickly, tried, and sentenced in accordance with the law,” Abiodun said.
Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, also expressed deep sadness over the “tragic and untimely death” of Maduagwu in a condolence message to Arise Media Chairman Nduka Obaigbena, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh.
“She had a great future ahead of her. At just 29, she had traversed the worlds of beauty pageantry, law, and the media with brilliance, panache, and poise. Her demise is not only a great loss to ARISE Media Group and the Maduagwu family, but also to the Nigerian media as a whole,” Governor Eno said.
He further emphasised that journalists’ safety must remain sacrosanct, adding: “At this painful moment, on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I commiserate with Prince Nduka Obaigbena, the Management and Staff of ARISE Media Group, and the Maduagwu family. We pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and that Sommie’s gentle soul rests in eternal peace.”
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