The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that Arise Television anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, died after jumping from the third floor of her apartment in Katampe while attempting to escape an armed robbery attack in the early hours of Monday, September 29.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, disclosed that officers responding to distress calls found the 29-year-old journalist unconscious on the ground floor of her residence, a three-storey twin block of 18 flats near the Gishiri axis of Katampe.
“She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it,” Adewale said.
According to the police, armed men invaded the compound at about 3 a.m., shooting one of the private security guards on duty. In the panic that followed, Maduagwu, who lived on the top floor, leapt from her balcony in an attempt to flee the attackers.
“The consequences were tragic and very unfortunate,” the Police Commissioner said, adding that a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) had been set up to track down the assailants.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, also expressed grief over her death, describing it as “tragic and painful.” He assured that the Federal Capital Territory Administration would work with security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.
“She was cut down in her prime. The police will unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice,” Wike said in a statement.
The FCT Health Mandate Secretary, Dolapo Fasawe, confirmed that Maduagwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.
Arise News, in a statement, described her as “a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers,” noting that her passion and professionalism left a lasting impact on colleagues and audiences alike.
The killing of Maduagwu has reignited concerns about violent crimes in Abuja. Recent investigations have highlighted persistent cases of armed robbery, kidnappings, and other violent attacks despite official claims of improved security.
Residents of Katampe and neighbouring Mpape have repeatedly complained of night-time robberies and violent street attacks.
