The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has begun a manhunt for armed robbers whose attack led to the death of Arise News correspondent Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu in Abuja.
Maduagwu, 29, died on Monday night after jumping from the third floor of her Katampe residence during a robbery. Police Commissioner Ajao Adewale said officers found her unconscious and rushed her to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate her.
“Some armed robbers invaded Unique Apartments where Sommie lived. In the panic that followed, she jumped from the top floor of the building. The consequences were tragic,” Adewale told Arise News on Wednesday. He said a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) had been assigned to track down the assailants.
Colleagues at Arise News, however, claimed her death was preventable, alleging she was turned away by hospital staff. Anchor Ojy Okpe said: “She did not die on the spot. She was taken to the hospital but rejected. Sommie’s life could have been saved.”
The Nigerian Guild of Editors and other journalists have condemned both the robbery and the alleged hospital neglect, citing worsening insecurity in the capital.
President Bola Tinubu described the late journalist as “a promising professional whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.” In a statement by his media adviser Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu directed security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and pledged his administration’s commitment to protecting lives.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago also expressed shock, calling the killing “an act of man’s wickedness to man.” He urged security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described Maduagwu’s death as a “national loss,” praising her as a brilliant young anchor and lawyer. He said: “At only 29, Somtochukwu had already distinguished herself as a gifted broadcaster. Her loss is a huge blow not only to her family and colleagues but also to our nation.”
The tragedy has sparked nationwide outrage, with Nigerians demanding better security and emergency response systems to prevent similar incidents.
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