The sudden death of Arise TV journalist, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, has left many Nigerians in deep shock and anger.
The young broadcaster lost her life in Abuja after a violent armed robbery, an incident that has now raised questions about safety in the Federal Capital Territory and the way hospitals handle emergencies.
On Tuesday, Ojy Okpe, one of Maduagwu’s colleagues on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, spoke emotionally about what happened.
She said she had spoken with the station’s correspondent in Abuja, who gave her a clear account of the events that led to the tragedy.
According to the report, about 14 armed robbers stormed Maduagwu’s home in Katampe, Abuja. On hearing the intruders, she tried to escape in panic. In her attempt to flee, she jumped from her residence. Sadly, she sustained serious injuries.
Okpe explained that Maduagwu was still alive after the fall and was taken to hospital for urgent care.
However, she was allegedly rejected and not given the medical treatment she needed. “She did not die on the spot, she went to the hospital, and she was rejected,” Okpe said during the programme.
The revelation has sparked widespread outrage. Many Nigerians are not only furious about the armed robbery itself but also about the claims that she was denied treatment, which highlights a long-standing problem with emergency response and healthcare in the country.
Tributes have since poured in for the late journalist, who was described as a rising star in Nigerian media. Colleagues, friends, and viewers have expressed sadness over her death, recalling her talent and passion for journalism.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced that it has begun an investigation into the robbery and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Nigerians, however, are demanding swift justice for Maduagwu and urgent reforms in both security and healthcare systems to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
Watch the video here…
“She did not d!e on the spot, she went to the hospital and she was rejected…her life could have been saved” – Arise news anchor, Ojy Okpe says as she reports details of the passing of her colleague, Sommie Maduagwu pic.twitter.com/BH4NJh4fO8
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) September 30, 2025