Tributes have continued to pour in for ARISE Television anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, whose death during a robbery attack in Abuja on Monday September 29 has sparked grief across the country.
In a statement on X on Tuesday September 30, the management of ARISE described the 29-year-old journalist and lawyer as “delectable, intelligent and bold,” noting that her contributions to the station and the nation would not be forgotten.
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Maduagwu, fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues, was said to have first appeared on the ARISE screen as a guest after winning the Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant.
She later represented Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World pageant in Quanzhou, China, in 2023, before formally joining ARISE in September 2024.
“In September 2024, she joined the ARISE NEWS team, where she has made her voice count as a News Anchor, News Producer, and a Reporter.
“Through a blend of her legal dexterity and reportorial vigour, Sommie advocated for out-of-school children and campaigned energetically against sexual and gender-based violence,” the statement read.
Her coverage also included the submission of a memorandum for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill at the National Assembly on September 21.
“There, Sommie, alongside millions of other Nigerian women, advocated for a stronger representation for Nigerian women at the National Assembly,” the station said.
“Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory.”
Confirming the incident, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, noted that an investigation had begun into the incident.
Viewers and netizens have since flooded social media with tributes, praising Sommie’s courage and professionalism.
Her death has also renewed calls for urgent action against insecurity across the country.
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