Police condemn “a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society”
A young Nigerian journalist has died in a tragic attempt to escape armed robbers, after jumping from the third floor of her apartment building in Abuja.
Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, 29, a respected news anchor and producer for Arise News, “tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence” in the early hours of Monday, September 29, according to a statement issued by Commissioner of Police Ajao S. Adewale of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Authorities said Maduagwu jumped from her apartment in a desperate bid to evade the intruders. She fell three stories and was discovered unconscious on the ground below. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival, according to reports from The Mirror, The Sun, and Vanguard Nigeria.
Police described the case as a “cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society,” with Commissioner Adewale confirming that a full-scale investigation has been launched to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death. “We have deployed both intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime,” he said in a press release.
Reached out to the Nigerian Police Force and the Federal Capital Territory Administration on October 4 for additional comment, but did not receive immediate responses.
Maduagwu’s employer, Arise News, released an emotional tribute on September 29, describing her as a “beloved colleague” and “a vibrant voice” who deeply “engaged and connected with our viewers.”
“Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer — a professional, a supportive colleague, and a friend to many,” the network wrote on Instagram. “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 tragedy has prompted widespread grief and outrage across Nigeria. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, expressed his sorrow in a post shared on September 30, saying he was “shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating news.”
“I join His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in calling on all security agencies to thoroughly investigate this tragic incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Kalu wrote. He extended his “heartfelt condolences” to Maduagwu’s family, friends, and colleagues, describing her death as a painful reminder of the urgent need to address rising insecurity across the country.
