‘Find Sommie’s killers’ — Family urges FG
**ARISE Media Group Conveys Condolences to the Family of Somtochukwu Maduagwu**
The ARISE Media Group paid an emotional condolence visit on Tuesday to the Maduagwu family residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the tragic murder of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie.
Sommie was killed in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, during an armed robbery at her home in the Katampe area of Abuja. The 29-year-old lawyer-turned-journalist had a promising career that was tragically cut short, triggering widespread grief and outrage across Nigeria’s media and civil society communities.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Engineer Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, described the killing as senseless, cruel, and deeply painful. He expressed gratitude to ARISE News for their support but also demanded accountability from the authorities.
> “We appreciate the solidarity shown by ARISE News, but we also demand justice. Those who did this must be found and brought to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Leading the ARISE delegation was Mr. Bayo Awosemo, Deputy Managing Director, accompanied by Mr. Sumner Sambo, Director of News, and Mr. Chris Isiguzo, Director of Corporate Services and former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
They conveyed the condolences of the ARISE Media Group and praised Sommie’s remarkable work ethic, strong values, and dedication to journalism. Speaking emotionally about his last moments with Sommie, Mr. Isiguzo, who is also President of the Congress of African Journalists, shared:
> “We were together in the office on Saturday and Sunday. In fact, before she went on air to present her programme, we exchanged pleasantries as always. Who could have imagined that hours later, we’d be talking about her in the past tense? We are heartbroken, but we cannot question God. Her voice may be silent, but her legacy will endure.”
During the visit, Sommie’s mother was visibly inconsolable, while her father, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, was too distraught to speak. The family home in Port Harcourt was filled with sympathizers, friends, relatives, neighbors, and media colleagues, many of whom described Sommie as brilliant, humble, and deeply principled—a rare gem in her generation.
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie studied law in Nigeria and the United Kingdom before transitioning into journalism, where she found her true calling. She joined ARISE News as a reporter, producer, and anchor, gaining recognition for her thoughtful interviews and coverage of legal issues, gender equity, and social justice.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sumner Sambo, Director of News at ARISE News, assured the bereaved family that the organization will pursue justice to its logical conclusion.
> “No stone will be left unturned in unmasking those responsible for this heinous crime,” he stated firmly.
Sommie’s death has reignited calls for stronger protection for journalists and urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture. The media community and civil society continue to advocate for justice and enhanced safety measures to protect those who dedicate their lives to informing the public.
https://dailypost.ng/2025/10/01/find-sommies-killers-family-urges-fg/
