President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who died after a robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.
The President’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and titled ‘President Tinubu condemns the killing of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, urges security agencies to fish out the killers’.
“The President described the late journalist, fondly known as Sommie, as ‘a promising professional whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner,’” the statement read.
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Tinubu expressed condolences to the Maduagwu family, the management and staff of Arise News Television, and the wider Nigerian media community, stressing that her death was a painful loss not only to her loved ones but also to the nation.
He further directed security and law enforcement agencies to launch a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
“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 added.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government would continue to strengthen efforts to curb violent crime across the country.
On Monday, Arise News confirmed that Maduagwu had died after a violent robbery attack at her home. However, fresh details shared by her colleagues on The Morning Show suggested that the 29-year-old journalist’s death could have been avoided.
Anchor Ojy Okpe explained that Maduagwu reportedly jumped from her apartment after learning that 14 armed robbers had invaded her building. She survived the fall but was later denied treatment at a hospital despite sustaining serious injuries.
“She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot. She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her,” Okpe said.
Fellow anchor Reuben Abati also described her passing as “preventable,” expressing deep sadness over the circumstances surrounding her death.
