It was a black Monday as a rising star in broadcast journalism, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old news anchor with Arise News, was confirmed dead following a tragic armed robbery incident in Abuja.
Maduagwu, who until her death covered the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs beat, was reportedly attacked and killed at her residence on Monday.
A woman of many talents, Somtochukwu was not only a vibrant journalist but also a lawyer, beauty queen, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She won Miss Tourism Nigeria in 2023, proudly representing the country on international platforms, and was the Convener of “She Takes Up Space”, an initiative championing women’s voices, visibility, and leadership.
Colleagues and associates described her as a brilliant professional whose dedication, passion, and vibrant presence on screen left a lasting impression.
Her sudden death has thrown the media industry and the Arise News family into mourning, with many lamenting the loss of “a bright candle blown out in its prime.”