THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, has confirmed that Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a promising anchor with Arise News, lost her life after plunging from the third floor of her apartment building during an armed robbery attack in Katampe, Abuja.
News Point Nigeria reports that the heartbreaking incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at Unique Apartments, a three-storey twin building with 18 flats located around the Gishiri axis of Katampe under the Mabushi Divisional Area.
Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on Arise TV, CP Adewale explained that police officers arrived at the scene to find Maduagwu unconscious on the ground.
“Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR. Sadly, she could not make it,” he said.
The commissioner confirmed that the 29-year-old journalist had jumped from her third-floor apartment in a desperate bid to escape after armed robbers stormed the residential complex.
According to the police report, the assailants gained entry into the building despite the presence of two security guards. One of the guards attempted to resist the attackers but was shot and injured in the process.
“In the panic that followed, Maduagwu, who lived on the topmost floor, jumped down from the third storey. The consequences were tragic and very unfortunate,” Adewale said.
Residents said vigilantes and neighbours initially found her unconscious before police and medical personnel arrived.
CP Adewale disclosed that an investigation team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) had been constituted to pursue the criminals.
“We have set up a specific investigation team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation, with all tactical units involved to track down the culprits.
The leads we are getting are already being worked on, and no stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he assured.
Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie by colleagues and friends, was described as a rising star in Nigerian broadcast journalism.
Her sudden death has plunged the Arise News family and the wider media community into mourning.
The police commissioner extended condolences to her loved ones, saying: “FCT Command once again commiserates with the family of Sommie, the Arise News family, and Nigerians deeply touched by this ugly and disturbing incident.”
The incident has reignited concerns over rising cases of violent crime and insecurity in Abuja, especially in residential estates that were once considered safe.
As investigations continue, Nigerians are demanding swift justice for Somtochukwu and tougher measures to guarantee the safety of citizens in the nation’s capital.