The Nigerian Guild of Editors and the International Press Centre have expressed their condemnation of the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise Television, who was killed in an armed robbery incident yesterday. The NGE, in a statement by President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, condemned the media
The Nigerian Guild of Editors and the International Press Centre have expressed their condemnation of the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise Television, who was killed in an armed robbery incident yesterday.
The NGE, in a statement by President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, condemned the media practitioner and called her death a major loss to journalism in Nigeria.
On September 29, 2025, Arise Television announced that News Anchor Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu died during an armed robbery at her home in Katampe, Abuja. The incident is under investigation by the Nigerian Police.
The journalist, who passed away at the age of 29, was also a qualified lawyer. She was regarded as a dynamic professional who effectively engaged and connected with her audience.
The editors condemned the ongoing insecurity in the country, noting that it fosters fear for citizens and professionals like journalists, and called on the government to address its root causes and ensure those responsible for Somtochukwu’s death are identified by security agencies.
“By Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country.
“The loss of this dedicated journalist from an armed robbery incident is a stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes or on the street.
“We cannot help but reflect on the issue of insecurity that plagues our nation. The increasing frequency of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists.
“We demand action from the government to address the root causes of insecurity and take measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. We demand that those responsible for Somtochukwu’s death be fished out by security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law. At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with Arise News and the broader journalism community.
On its part, the International Press Centre (IPC) said it was saddened by the death of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. In a statement, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, expressed deep sorrow over the incident:
“We are deeply saddened by the death of journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, and we demand a thorough, independent investigation, as well as the prompt prosecution of the perpetrators.”
He further emphasised the broader implications of inaction:
“Failure to conclude the investigation and bring those responsible to justice creates a dangerous environment for citizens and media professionals alike, while fostering a culture of impunity that threatens press freedom and democratic accountability.”
This tragedy adds to ongoing threats against journalists in Nigeria. IPC recently condemned the death of Peter Ojo, an Ibadan-based journalist who was killed in August 2025.
IPC’s 2024 report recorded 45 attacks on journalists and 3 on media outlets, with many cases unresolved. Between 1992 and 2024, at least 22 journalists have died under suspicious circumstances, with no conclusive investigations.
The federal government called the Arise reporter’s death a serious loss to journalism and pledged to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, expressed his condolences in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Arise News Channel, Chief Nduka Obaigbena. Idris stated, “I extend our deepest sympathies to you and the entire ARISE News family on the sudden and untimely passing of your esteemed anchor, Ms Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. She was recognised as a vibrant and dedicated news anchor, accomplished lawyer, and exemplary professional whose contributions resonated with audiences both within Nigeria and internationally.”
The minister expressed deep regret regarding the “heinous incident that took the life of a promising young journalist,” and stated, “Ms Somtochukwu’s tragic death represents a significant loss to the ARISE News organization, the Nigerian media community, and the nation as a whole.”
He stated that an investigation would be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the news anchor.
The Minister expressed condolences to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and others who knew the late news anchor, and wished them strength during this time of loss.
The International Press Centre, while expressing its deepest condolences to the family and the Chairman and Management of Arise News, called on:
- The Nigeria Police Force and FCT Command to urgently conduct and publicly communicate the results of a thorough, independent investigation.
- The Federal Government to take immediate action to reform emergency and healthcare systems that fail victims in moments of need.
- Hospital authorities to provide a public explanation regarding the delay in treatment of Somtochukwu and take steps to ensure such tragic lapses never recur.
- Media bodies, professional groups, civil society organisations, and media practitioners to jointly demand accountability and justice for all victims of violence, and to stand united in the fight against impunity.
- The Federal Government to investigate all unresolved cases of violence and killings linked to the media, in line with Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and of the press, as well as Nigeria’s commitments under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
