By Gloria Ikibah
The grieving family of late ARISE News anchor and reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to swiftly identify and bring to justice those responsible for her killing.
The appeal was made on Tuesday when senior executives of the ARISE Media Group paid a condolence visit to the family home in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Somtochukwu, popularly known as Sommie, was murdered in the early hours of Monday, 29 September 2025, during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja. The 29-year-old journalist, who had transitioned into broadcasting after training as a lawyer, was regarded as one of the country’s brightest young voices in the media before her life was tragically cut short. Her death has provoked widespread outrage and sorrow within Nigeria’s press community and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Engineer Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, described the killing as “senseless, cruel, and deeply painful.”
He expressed gratitude to ARISE News for standing in solidarity with the family during their time of grief but emphasised the need for urgent action from the authorities.
“We appreciate ARISE for being here with us, but what we want to see most is justice. This was a young woman full of promise whose life was stolen in such a brutal manner. The government must not allow her death to pass without accountability,” he said.
The Maduagwu family’s appeal comes as journalists, civil society groups and human rights advocates continue to press for stronger protection for media professionals and citizens in the face of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Leading the ARISE delegation was Mr. Bayo Awosemo, Deputy Managing Director, who was accompanied by Mr. Sumner Sambo, Director of News, and Mr. Chris Isiguzo, Director of Corporate Services and former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). They conveyed the condolences of the ARISE Media Group and praised Sommie’s remarkable work ethic, strong values, and dedication to journalism.
Isiguzo, who is also President of the Congress of African Journalists, shared an emotional recollection of his last moment with the deceased:
“We were together in the office on Saturday and Sunday. In fact, before she went on air to present her programme, we exchanged pleasantries as always. Who could have imagined that hours later, we’d be talking about her in the past tense?
‘We are heartbroken, but we cannot question God. Her voice may be silent, but her legacy will endure.”
Sommie’s mother was visibly inconsolable during the visit, while her father, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, was too distraught to speak. The family’s home in Port Harcourt was filled with sympathisers, friends, relatives, neighbours, and media colleagues; many of whom described her as brilliant, humble, and deeply principled, a rare gem in her generation.
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie studied law in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, later transitioning into journalism where she found her true calling. She joined ARISE News as a reporter, producer, and anchor, known for her thoughtful interviews and coverage of legal issues, gender equity, and social justice.
Director of News, Sumner Sambo, assured the bereaved family that ARISE News will pursue justice to its logical conclusion, stating firmly:
“No stone will be left unturned in unmasking those responsible for this heinous crime.”
Sommie’s death has re-ignited calls for stronger protection for journalists and urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture