The tragic death of Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu has shaken the nation, a stark reminder of the insecurity, incompetence, and systemic failures that continue to claim lives in Nigeria.
Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu known by many as an ARISE News anchor, was one of my primary school classmates, and yesterday, she died following an armed robbery attack. In a statement released by the ARISE News channel, Somtochukwu passed away in the early hours of Monday, 29 September 2025, after armed robbers invaded her residence in Katampe area in Abuja. Although the details of her death are still under investigation, ARISE News correspondents report that she died from injuries sustained while jumping from her window to escape approaching robbers.
However, this incident has shocked the nation, bringing many to a standstill and leaving several questions unanswered. Another bright life lost in another tragedy, and once again, the Nigerian system has failed. A few reports are stating that the Nigerian police were called at the start of the robbery when a group of 15 or more armed men showed up at the Katampe Abuja estate. Another report states that she was denied treatment at the hospital to which she was rushed. As Sommie’s old tweet about ‘not wanting Nigeria to happen to her’ resurfaces, many Nigerians fear the country’s cycle of violence may soon touch their own lives.
A thriving journalist lost to the harsh realities of living in Nigeria
For her family and friends, this is an unimaginable tragedy. At school, Sommie always had a big smile for everyone and always had the cleverest things to say. I always remembered her fondly as one of the few people I looked forward to seeing. She has always been so smart and well-liked. Although we hadn’t stayed in touch much, her success and her ambition made their way to my radar.
Sommie was a trained lawyer who became the face of cosmetics company Zaron in 2020. In 2023, she represented Nigeria in the Miss Tourism World competition in China. As an ARISE News journalist, she shared stories that reflected her passion for Nigeria and helped raise awareness in the hope of driving change. She was a confident woman sharing her beauty, intelligence, and determined spirit with the nation.
Additionally, Sommie had big dreams for Nigeria, often speaking up on women’s rights. She worked closely with “She Takes Up Space,” a non-profit organisation that aims to empower and encourage women to embrace leadership positions. In an Instagram post from last year, she shared that she graduated from the School of Politics, Policy and Governance with dreams of shaping the country. The London-born native chose to return to Nigeria after her studies, hoping to build a home and life for herself in the country. She was set to turn 30 this December and marry the love of her life — a year meant for celebration has sadly become a devastating tragedy.
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The everyday fear of living in Nigeria
Nigeria is currently in a state of severe economic insecurity, fuelling the rise of armed robbery, home invasions, kidnapping and terrorism. These incidents are becoming consistent news headlines and seeping into the daily fears of the average Nigerian. This current environment fails the Nigerian people, emboldening criminals and highlighting the weak policing and poor security in the nation. Like Sommie, many Nigerians end up having to fend for themselves in the face of a crisis.
In Nigeria, the very systems meant to protect and serve have become complicit in the loss of life. Incompetence, internal corruption, underfunding and poor training plague the Nigerian police force. They routinely fail in doing their primary duty, which is to protect the lives of citizens. Emergency calls are often ignored, with officers arriving too late.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian healthcare system continues to fail its people. Hospitals often turn away patients or fail to provide adequate treatment. The government also shows little accountability and exerts no pressure on these sectors to drive meaningful change. Time and again, the state fails to respond promptly in emergencies, leaving its citizens unprotected. Its absence is deafening, and all too often, the price is paid in human lives. Until accountability and effective action become the norm, tragedies like Sommie’s will continue to haunt our nation.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this article on the tragic death of Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a devoted journalist who worked to better Nigeria. Her death leaves us asking: how much longer will this wave of violence continue unchecked?
Read more: Unmasking the disturbing rise of gender-based violence in Nigeria
