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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Fred Ezeh, Abuja, Laide Raheem, Abeokuta and Okey Sampson, Umuahia
President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Senator Remi, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council and others have expressed sorrow and shock over the tragic death of Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.
She died from injuries sustained while fleeing for safety, following invasion of her residence in Katampe, Abuja on Monday by armed robbers.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condoled with the bereaved family, management and staff of Arise News, and the entire Nigerian media fraternity.
He described Ms. Maduagwu as a promising professional journalist, whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.
He called on security and law enforcement agencies to conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators were apprehended and brought to justice without delay.
President Tinubu also assured Nigerians that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of all citizens and would continue to strengthen measures to combat crime in all its forms.
However, the First Lady also took to social media to express her grief, saying, “I woke up to the sad news of the unfortunate and untimely death of one of our young and brilliant minds in the journalism profession, Somtochukwu Maduagwu. Her death is painful and quite unfortunate. She has been cut down in her prime.
“It is my hope and prayer that the perpetrators will be apprehended as soon as possible and brought to book. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give her family, and all her dear ones the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”
Wike also commiserated with the Arise News team and the nation, describing Ms Maduagwu’s death as tragic and painful.
He prayed for the repose of her soul and assured that the police would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.
Also, the Women Affairs Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the loss as painful and devastating.
She charged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
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Meanwhile, Governors Dapo Abiodun and Alex Otti of Ogun and Abia states, have urged the security agencies to work together and unravel the killers of the news anchor in the shortest possible time.
According to Abiodun, “the killing of the popular, extremely versatile and personable news anchor on Monday, September 29, during an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja is a most horrendous, chilling event, whose perpetrators must be quickly tracked down and brought to justice.
“For every hour that the perpetrators are left un-apprehended, Nigeria suffers colossal mental and institutional damage. The killers must be fished out very quickly, tried and sentenced in accordance with the law.”
Governor Otti regretted that her life and career were brought to an abrupt end by criminals, who have no regards for human life.
He called on the security agents to dig deep and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime were unmasked, brought to justice and made to pay for their action.
While praying God to give the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss, the governor sent his condolences to the management and staff of ARISE TV, urging them to be consoled by the impactful life she lived.
The NUJ, FCT Council, in a condolence message by its secretary, Jide Oyekunle, described Maduagwu’s passing as a devastating loss not only to her immediate family and Arise News but also to the entire Nigerian media industry.
“She was a brilliant, passionate and dedicated broadcaster, whose professionalism and poise endeared her to colleagues and viewers alike. She represented the best of a new generation of Nigerian journalists, bold, ethical and committed to the truth.
“Her sudden demise is a painful reminder of the increasing security challenges in the country and the urgent need for accountability.”
The Council called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to immediately launch a thorough forensic investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime were swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
In honour of her memory, the NUJ urges members of the media community to reflect on the values she upheld such as integrity, excellence and service to society, while offering prayers and support to her grieving family.
“Though her life was brief, her impact was profound. May her legacy continue to inspire courage and truth in journalism.”
The Council prayed for strength and comfort for her loved ones and called on journalists across the country to remain united, vigilant and supportive of one another during this period of collective mourning.
