AGULU, — Thousands of people, including leading political figures, media colleagues and community members, gathered in Agulu on Saturday to bid farewell to Arise News anchor Somtochukwu “Sommie” Christelle Maduagwu, whose promising life was cut short in a violent armed robbery attack in Abuja. The funeral drew widespread sorrow and renewed calls for urgent action against the escalating insecurity that claimed her life.
The burial ceremony began with a solemn Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church, where mourners including journalists, dignitaries and political stakeholders gathered to honour the memory of Maduagwu, who was laid to rest in her family compound in Agulu around 1:30 p.m. Her death in September, when a gang of armed robbers attacked her residence in Abuja, sparking national outrage, remains a painful reminder of the country’s deep-rooted security crisis.
During the homily, Reverend Father Peter Ezewuzie urged the grieving relatives to take solace in the belief that Sommie had lived a purposeful and meaningful life, even if it ended too soon. “The maturity of life is not measured by its length but by its quality,” he said. “Somtochukwu lived her life with dignity, passion and purpose — qualities that will resonate long after her departure.”
Speaking after the Mass, former — who shares Agulu as his hometown — described Maduagwu’s death as “deeply painful” and said it underlines the disturbing reality of insecurity that has afflicted Nigeria for far too long. “We cannot question God,” he said amid tears and heartfelt prayers. “Her death is devastating, but we must accept it as His will and honour her memory by praying for her and her family.”
Obi, who flew in from to attend the burial, disclosed that he returned home hastily to pay his respects, emphasising that Maduagwu’s tragic fate should inspire renewed national dialogue on insecurity and governance. He pledged solidarity with her family and urged authorities to do more to protect citizens against armed criminality. “The violence that claimed one of our brightest minds cannot continue unchecked,” he said, calling on government at all levels to prioritise security reforms.
In a sombre atmosphere, mourners remembered Maduagwu as an intelligent, ambitious and dynamic journalist whose career had soared rapidly since she joined Arise News in 2024. Her death at the age of 29 — after jumping from a window during the robbery — has triggered investigations, and police have arrested a dozen suspects believed to be behind the attack.
Family members, led by her uncle, Mr. Obi Maduagwu, commended Arise News for supporting them through the tragedy, saying, “We are deeply grateful for the love and solidarity shown by the media community and everyone who has supported us since that dark night.” He described the station’s management as “steadfast” in standing by the family and vowed to continue celebrating Sommie’s legacy.
Journalists, activists and sector leaders present at the funeral echoed calls for systemic reforms to address insecurity, emphasizing that the lives of ordinary citizens — including media practitioners — must not be endangered by criminal elements operating with impunity. “Sommie is not just a name; her death is a rallying cry,” said one colleague.
