Wike reacts as armed robbers kill Arise TV news anchor, vows killers must be apprehended

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep sadness over the death of Arise TV News anchor, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, describing it as a painful tragedy.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister sent his sympathy to Arise News management, staff, and the wider journalism community.

He said Somtochukwu’s passing was not only a blow to the station but also a great loss to the Nigerian press and the nation.

Wike said it was heartbreaking to lose a young and promising journalist in such a cruel way. He described her as a bright soul whose death has left many in shock.

The minister further assured the public that security agencies would fully investigate the case to ensure that those behind the incident face justice. He mentioned that medical records would also be made available to support the investigation.

Responding to reports that the late journalist was turned away at the hospital, Wike, quoting health officials, explained that she had already passed before arriving at Maitama General Hospital around 4:30 a.m. on Monday.

He prayed for her family, colleagues, and friends, asking God to give them strength in this difficult period and grant Somtochukwu eternal rest.

Read Wike’s full text below…

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

Wike Commiserates With Arise News Over Death Of News Anchor, Vows Killers Will Be Apprehended

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has commiserated with the management and staff of the Arise News Channel over the death of one of their News Anchors, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, describing her death as tragic and painful.

In a statement on Tuesday, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Somtochukwu, assured that the Police will unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.

He said the death of Somtochukwu was not only a loss to the Arise News family, but to the Nigerian media and the entire nation as a whole.

I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in its prime. It is sad!

From the report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30am on Monday.

Preliminary medical report will be made available to the police to aid their invesgation while all efforts will be made to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.

Therefore, at this period, we will continue to pray for the continued support of the Almighty God for the staff and management of the Arise News, especially the Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and the family and friends left behind by the deceased.

It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant Public Communications and Social Media, September 30, 2025.