Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commiserated with the management and staff of Arise Television following the tragic death of its anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.
Maduagwu, 29, popularly known as Sommie, was killed during an armed robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday.
In a statement on Tuesday, Wike assured that police authorities will unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.
“I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in its prime. It is sad,” Wike said in the statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
According to the report of the Mandate Secretary on Health for the FCTA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Maduagwu was brought to Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.
The minister said the preliminary medical report will be made available to the police to aid their investigation.
He added that the loss was not only to Arise News but also to the Nigerian media and the nation at large.
“It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Wike said.
See the full statement below:
FCTA PRESS RELEASE
Wike Commiserates With Arise News Over Death Of News Anchor, Vows Killers Will Be Apprehended
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has commiserated with the management and staff of the Arise News Channel over the death of one of their News Anchors, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, describing her death as tragic and painful.
In a statement on Tuesday, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Somtochukwu, assured that the Police will unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.
He said the death of Somtochukwu was not only a loss to the Arise News family, but to the Nigerian media and the entire nation as a whole.
I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in its prime. It is sad!
From the report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30am on Monday.
Preliminary medical report will be made available to the police to aid their invesgation while all efforts will be made to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.
Therefore, at this period, we will continue to pray for the continued support of the Almighty God for the staff and management of the Arise News, especially the Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and the family and friends left behind by the deceased.
It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Lere Olayinka
Senior Special Assistant
Public Communications and Social Media
September 30, 2025
