‘Wonderful Soul Cut Down In Her Prime’ — Wike Mourns Arise TV’s Somtochukwu Maduagwu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed sorrow over the death of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, describing her demise as both tragic and painful.

Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, died in the early hours of Monday following a robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said the journalist’s death was a painful loss not only to her media organisation but also to the Nigerian press and the nation at large.

“I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in its prime. It is sad,” Wike said, while praying for the repose of her soul.

The minister assured that security agencies would leave no stone unturned in unravelling the circumstances surrounding her death.

“The Police will unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice,” the statement read in part.

Confirming details of the incident, the FCT Administration Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, disclosed that Maduagwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital already dead at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.

She added that a preliminary medical report would be handed over to the police to assist in their investigation.

Wike extended his condolences to the management and staff of Arise News, especially the Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, as well as the family and friends of 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,” he added.