A violent robbery at a residential complex in Abuja has claimed the life of 29-year-old Arise TV news anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, sending shockwaves through Nigeria’s media community. According to FCT Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale, the attack occurred early Monday, September 29, at Unique Apartments in Katampe. During the chaos, Maduagwu reportedly fell from the third floor of her building while attempting to escape the assailants.

Local vigilantes found her unconscious and rushed her to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors performed CPR, but she sadly did not survive. Police confirmed that the robbers had entered the compound in the early hours, shooting one of the two security guards on duty before breaking into apartments.

Commissioner Adewale described the event as “tragic and very unfortunate,” adding that a special investigation team has been deployed to track down the perpetrators. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.

Maduagwu’s grieving father recalled receiving a panicked phone call from relatives before learning the heartbreaking truth. Despite rushing to the scene, it was already too late. He described his daughter as a passionate journalist and devoted young woman whose life and dreams were abruptly cut short.

Colleagues, friends, and public figures have flooded social media with tributes, mourning the loss of a rising star in Nigerian journalism. Many described her as warm, intelligent, and deeply committed to her work.

Arise News issued a statement honoring her as “a beloved team member, skilled journalist, producer, and lawyer whose spirit and legacy will live on.”

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also expressed deep sorrow, calling her “a promising professional” and urging authorities to bring her killers to justice.

Maduagwu’s final Instagram post was on September 7 — a lasting memory of a bright voice gone too soon.