Obi, Others Pay Last Respects As Arise News Anchor Laid To Rest

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, family, colleagues, and dignitaries on Saturday attended the burial of late ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.

Somtochukwu, fondly known as Sommie, was laid to rest in her father’s compound at Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The interment, which took place around 1:30 p.m., drew mourners from within and outside the state, as tributes poured in for the 29-year-old journalist whose life was tragically cut short.

Recall that Sommie died on September 29, 2025, after an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja. According to reports, a gang of about 15 robbers reportedly stormed the three-storey apartment complex around 2:30 a.m., shooting one of the security guards and tying up others.

In a desperate attempt to escape, Sommie, who lived on the top floor, jumped from the third storey and sustained fatal head injuries. She was rushed to a hospital but later died from her wounds.

The police have since arrested 12 suspects linked to the attack and recovered weapons and stolen items during investigations.

Sommie’s death triggered widespread grief among journalists, colleagues, and Nigerians who admired her work and vibrant personality.

Speaking during the burial Mass held at St Theresa Catholic Church, Agulu, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie urged the family to find comfort in the belief that Sommie lived a meaningful life despite its brevity.

“The Lord who created us knows the beginning from the end. Some of you may be unhappy that a life was cut short, but God’s plan is perfect. He loves Christelle more than we do. The only thing you owe her is to continue to remember her in your prayers,” he said.

He described her as someone who lived with purpose, adding that “the maturity of life is not in its duration but in its quality.”

In his remarks, Mr. Peter Obi said Sommie’s death was painful but should be accepted as the will of God.

“We cannot question God. When I heard of her death, I didn’t even know she was from Agulu until after I tweeted about it. This loss is a huge one, but our coming here is to console the family. It is the wish of God, and we must accept it,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor also revealed that he cut short his trip abroad to attend the burial.

“Before I left Birmingham yesterday, I told those with me that I was rushing back to Nigeria for the burial of one of my daughters. I asked them to remember her in their prayers,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Sommie’s uncle, Mr Obi Maduagwu, expressed gratitude to ARISE News for their support since the tragedy occurred.

“We thank the management of ARISE News. They have been with us right from the beginning. We also appreciate everyone who journeyed from far and near to be with us,” he said.

The burial ceremony ended in tears and reflection as friends, colleagues, and parishioners paid their last respects to the young broadcaster, remembered for her brilliance, warmth, and dedication to journalism.