The Nigerian media industry has been thrown into mourning following the untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle “Sommie” Maduagwu, a rising star at ARISE News Channel, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Abuja.
The 29-year-old news anchor, reporter, and producer was killed in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, at her home in the Katampe area of the Federal Capital Territory. According to an official statement released by ARISE News via its Instagram page, the incident is under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.
Born on December 26, 1995, Somtochukwu was more than just a broadcast journalist. A qualified lawyer, she was widely admired for her professionalism, dedication, and warm personality. ARISE News described her as “a professional, a supportive colleague, and a friend to many.”
The management of the station expressed its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones, while calling for a swift investigation to bring those responsible for her death to justice.
Sommie’s shocking death has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, with colleagues, friends, and fans paying tribute to her brilliance, her drive, and the promise of a career cut painfully short.
Her passing is not only a devastating loss to her family but also to Nigeria’s journalism community, where she had already established herself as a respected voice on the airwaves.
