The federal government has committed to starting an investigation into the death of Arise TV news anchor and producer Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.
Somtochukwu Maduagwu was reportedly killed on Sunday in an armed robbery at her home in Abuja’s Katampe neighbourhood.
Maduagwu’s death was deemed unfortunate by Mohammed Idris, minister of communication and national orientation.
Idris described the incident as a devastating loss for her family, her coworkers, the Nigerian media landscape, and the country as a whole.
In a condolence message addressed to Nduka Obaigbena, chairman of Arise News, Idris said Maduagwu was a “vibrant and dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond”.
“I write to convey our deepest condolences to you and the entire Arise News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu,” the minister said.
He expressed sadness over the Arise TV news anchor’s death, describing it as a “heinous incident that cut down a promising young journalist in her prime”.
“Ms Somtochukwu’s tragic death is a grievous loss not only to the Arise News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation,” Idris said.
The minister promised a “thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances leading to her death” “on behalf of the federal government.”
In addition to offering his “sincere condolences to the parents, siblings, coworkers, and everyone who knew and loved the late news anchor,” Idris prayed that God would give them the strength to deal with the loss.
