The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has mourned the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news presenter with ARISE News Channel, who was fatally attacked during an armed robbery at her home in Abuja’s Katampe district on Monday, September 29, 2025.
In an official release signed by Secretary Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the Council lamented the loss, describing it as “a heartbreaking blow not only to her family and ARISE News but to the entire Nigerian journalism community.”
The NUJ highlighted Maduagwu’s remarkable dedication to her craft, stating, “Somtochukwu was an exceptional and passionate journalist whose professionalism and grace earned her respect from peers and audiences alike. She embodied the spirit of a new wave of Nigerian reporters-courageous, principled, and unwavering in pursuit of the truth.”
Expressing sympathy to her loved ones and colleagues, the Council emphasized that her untimely death underscores the escalating security threats confronting the nation.
Demanding accountability, the NUJ called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and relevant security bodies to conduct a comprehensive forensic inquiry into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators face justice.
The statement concluded, “Although her time was short, Somtochukwu’s influence was significant. May her memory continue to inspire bravery and integrity within the field of journalism.”
Additionally, the Council appealed to journalists nationwide to stand united, remain alert, and support each other during this time of shared grief.
