Sommie Maduagwu burial
The body of Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a reporter and anchor with Arise News, has been laid to rest in her hometown of Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area in Anambra State. The burial took place following a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, and the ceremony began around 1:30 p.m. local time.
Maduagwu lost her life after a tragic incident in September 2025, when armed robbers invaded her residence in Abuja. During the break-in she jumped from the third floor in a desperate attempt to escape, and she later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital in the Federal Capital Territory. Her passing has become a major talking point in discussions about personal safety and rising insecurity in Nigeria.
At the funeral, there was visible emotion among mourners from all walks of life, including family members, colleagues and dignitaries. Notably, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, attended the event and described her death as heartbreaking and a stark reminder of Nigeria’s fragile security outlook. The homily delivered by Father Peter Ezewuzie emphasised that although her life was cut short, what mattered most was the quality of the life she lived, urging the family and attendees to find solace in her legacy.
Colleagues of Maduagwu at Arise News have expressed profound grief and highlighted her dedication as a broadcaster, lawyer and gender-equality advocate. They described her as a vibrant voice who engaged actively with viewers, and lamented the loss of such a promising talent. Her untimely death has triggered calls for strengthened security measures and accelerated investigations into the robbery that claimed her life.
As the nation mourns, questions remain about the circumstances of the crime and how such tragedies can be prevented in the future. The authorities have confirmed that a thorough investigation is ongoing.
