Paul Ibe, an aide to former vice president Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) following the tragic death of Arise TV reporter, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu.
Ibe said that officers who eventually arrived at the scene of the armed robbery that led to Sommie’s death did not “allegedly” have fuel in their patrol vehicle to rush her to hospital for urgent treatment.
He made the statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, saying: “The Nigeria Police Force @PoliceNG team that reported belatedly to the robbery scene that eventually claimed the life of @ARISEtv anchor, Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu did not allegedly have fuel in their vehicle to convey her to the hospital for immediate and life-saving treatment.
“But they always have fuel to chase @YeleSowore and other innocent citizens. Pray that Omoyele Sowore will have fuel to chase their oppressors like he did for their former colleagues when they become Police pensioners. May the soul of Sommie rest among the saints. And #PrayNigeriaNeverHappensToYou!”
Ibe’s comments followed fresh details shared by Sommie’s family friend, which were made public by investigative journalist Temilola Sobola.
Sobola, in an Instagram post, narrated how the 29-year-old journalist lost her life. According to her, armed robbers stormed Sommie’s apartment complex, going from flat to flat while residents raised alarm.
Frightened by the commotion, Sommie reportedly jumped from her window before the robbers got to her flat. She sustained serious injuries from the fall.
According to the family friend, when the police eventually arrived, Sommie pleaded with them to take her to hospital. Shockingly, the officers allegedly told her they had no fuel in their vehicle. Before other help could be arranged, she died.
Her death has sparked outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the preparedness and responsibility of the police in handling emergencies.