President Bola Tinubu has denounced the killing of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, urging security agencies to swiftly apprehend those responsible for what he described as a “cruel and condemnable” act.
Maduagwu, 29, was attacked and killed during a robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29. Her death has deepened anxieties over rising insecurity in the capital, where violent robberies, “one chance” attacks and home invasions have grown increasingly frequent.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended condolences to the journalist’s family, colleagues at Arise News, and the wider media community. He called for “a quick and thorough investigation” into the incident, pledging that his administration would continue to strengthen measures against crime.
“Ms. Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner,” the statement read. “Security and law enforcement agencies should ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay.”
Her killing has drawn widespread outrage. The information minister, Mohammed Idris, described her death as “a tragic and painful loss for both the Nigerian media industry and the nation at large,” while Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, called it “a most horrendous, chilling event whose perpetrators must be quickly tracked down and brought to justice.”
Akwa Ibom governor, Umo Eno, also mourned the young anchor, recalling her accomplishments in law, media and pageantry, and describing her as “a vibrant and dedicated professional” whose future had been cruelly cut short.
Arise News, in its own statement, confirmed the incident as an armed robbery now under police investigation.
Maduagwu’s killing has reignited debates over citizens’ safety in Abuja and beyond, with calls for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in law enforcement and the justice system.
