Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian media community was thrown into mourning on Monday following the killing of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News Channel, during an armed robbery attack at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja.
Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie by colleagues and friends, was fatally attacked in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, in an incident currently under investigation by the Nigeria Police.
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie was celebrated for her eloquence, professionalism, and dedication to impactful journalism. Before joining ARISE News, she trained as a lawyer, a background that enriched her reporting and analysis with depth and precision.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelConfirming her death in a statement on Monday, ARISE News described the incident as a “devastating blow” to the organisation and the wider journalism fraternity.
“It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the Arise News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu,” the statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi read.
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“Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.
Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits.”
The station extended condolences to Maduagwu’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and colleagues, describing her as a vibrant voice who connected deeply with viewers and a supportive friend within the newsroom.
Police authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway to apprehend those behind the attack. As of press time, no arrests had been announced.
Maduagwu’s death marks a tragic loss for Nigerian journalism, cutting short the life of a rising broadcaster whose talent and passion had already left an indelible mark on the industry.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
