Katampe, the Abuja community where the late Arise TV journalist, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, lived, and its neighbouring areas have been under siege by armed robbers for several years, residents have said.
Ms Maduagwu, 29, a lawyer and news anchor with the television station, died on Monday, 29 September, from injuries she sustained after robbers invaded the block of six flats where she lived in the early hours of the day.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
FCT Police Commissioner, Ajao Adewale, explained that the journalist lost her life while attempting to escape the robbers by jumping from her third-floor apartment in the three-storey building.
He added that one of the two private guards on duty sustained a gunshot wound while confronting the intruders.
“Some hoodlums, specifically armed robbers, gained access into Unique Apartment, where Sommie lives. It is a three-story twin building with 18 flats around the Gishiri axis of Katampe, under the Mabushi Division. Two guards were on duty, and one who dared to challenge them sustained a gunshot injury. Out of fear, Sommie jumped from the top floor. The consequences are what we are seeing. It’s so sad, so unfortunate,” the commissioner told Arise TV.
The FCT police command has since announced that it ordered “a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident” and deployed intelligence and operational assets in the area to track and apprehend those responsible.
When PREMIUM TIMES visited the apartment complex, it was gathered that other tenants had fled following the robbery that claimed Ms Maduagwu’s life, though reporters were denied access to the compound.
Residents of Katampe in the Bwari Area Council said incessant robbery attacks have become a way of life in the community and neighbouring settlements such as Mpape, Gishiri, and Apo.
They alleged that despite repeated attacks, police have done little to stop them.
“Recently, two houses here on the same street where the presenter died were robbed too,” one resident, who requested anonymity, said.
Another resident, Mubarak Saliu, narrated his ordeal: “Last year, while working at my boss’ place on this same street, robbers came at night and carted away expensive properties.”
Kate, another resident of Katampe 1, expressed fear for her family. “I am losing my sanity gradually. We face armed robbery almost daily. I can’t sleep at night. It’s worse when there is no light or when it rains. Nobody has ever been arrested. The police seem completely incapacitated or unwilling to act.”
“These communities are just a few kilometres from Aso Rock Villa, yet criminals operate freely,” he said.
“These communities are just a few kilometres from Aso Rock Villa, yet criminals operate freely,” he said.
Residents said the inadequacy of the police had forced them to set up vigilante groups.
“In the whole of Gishiri, we have only one police post with two or three officers. They don’t even have a rifle. The community had to gather vigilantes who now help,” a POS operator told PREMIUM TIMES.
But others said the vigilantes have worsened the situation. “We can’t even say if it’s the vigilantes or the robbers again,” Kate said.
Residents also accused the police of indifference. Mr. Saliu recalled: “The night robbers attacked my boss’ place, we called Mabushi police, but they didn’t come. They said they had no fuel.”
Even when vigilantes caught a thief, residents alleged, the police released him shortly after.