In a tragic turn of events in Abuja, Arise Television news anchor and producer Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, widely known as Sommie, lost her life during an armed robbery that shook her residence in Katampe. The Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner, Ajao Adewale, provided harrowing details of the incident, revealing that Sommie jumped from her third-floor apartment in a desperate bid to escape the gunmen.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, leaving the presenter and one of the private security guards attached to the building dead. Commissioner Adewale explained during Arise TV’s Morning Show that the attack began when armed robbers entered the residential complex and shot one of the security personnel, triggering widespread panic among residents.
“Two private security guards were on duty, and one of them bravely confronted the intruders but sustained a gunshot wound,” Adewale said. “In such a scenario, panic is understandable. Sommie, who lived on the topmost floor, jumped in fear, likely thinking it was the only way to survive.”
Police responded promptly to a distress call from the residence and discovered Sommie’s unconscious body on the ground. She was immediately transported to Maitama General Hospital, where medical personnel attempted resuscitation using cardiopulmonary techniques. Despite their efforts, she could not be saved.
The FCT police commissioner stressed that the tragedy was a clear-cut case of armed robbery. Evidence collected from the scene, including the ransacked flats, scattered wallets, and stolen cash and phones, confirmed the nature of the crime. He emphasized that Sommie was not shot during the attack but succumbed to injuries sustained from jumping in fear.
“Out of fear and panic, it is natural that anyone in her position would act the way she did,” Adewale said. “The apartment complex has 18 units, with 16 fully occupied. Handsets and cash were taken from residents, and wallets were discarded on the floor. It was a robbery, and unfortunately, Sommie’s attempt to escape ended tragically.”
Authorities continue to investigate the robbery and are working to apprehend those responsible. Meanwhile, the incident has left friends, colleagues, and residents mourning the loss of the young broadcaster, whose life was cut short in a horrifying moment of fear and chaos.
