The International Press Centre (IPC) is deeply saddened by the death of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise News Channel, who died following an attack by an armed gang in Abuja on September 29, 2025.
According to reports aired on Arise News Daybreak, the incident occurred around 3:00 AM at Unique Apartments in Katampe, FCT. Attackers, reportedly numbering up to fifteen, stormed all 16 apartments within the compound. Security personnel alerted the police but received no response. Ms. Maduagwu was rushed to Maitama District Hospital, where she later died.
The report notes that relatives said she died due to delayed treatment, as hospital staff refused care until her identification was presented. This tragic event highlights serious failures in Nigeria’s healthcare and emergency response systems.
In a statement, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, expressed deep sorrow over the incident:
“We are deeply saddened by the death of journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, and we demand a thorough, independent investigation, as well as the prompt prosecution of the perpetrators.”
He further emphasised the broader implications of inaction: “Failure to conclude the investigation and bring those responsible to justice creates a dangerous environment for citizens and media professionals alike, while fostering a culture of impunity that threatens press freedom and democratic accountability.”
This tragedy adds to ongoing threats against journalists in Nigeria. IPC recently condemned the death of Peter Ojo, an Ibadan-based journalist who was killed in August 2025.
IPC’s 2024 report recorded 45 attacks on journalists and 3 on media outlets, with many cases unresolved. Between 1992 and 2024, at least 22 journalists have died under suspicious circumstances, with no conclusive investigations.
IPC calls on:
- The Nigeria Police Force and FCT Command are to urgently conduct and publicly communicate the results of a thorough, independent investigation.
- The Federal Government should take immediate action to reform emergency and healthcare systems that fail victims in moments of need.
- Hospital authorities are to provide a public explanation regarding the delay in the treatment of Somtochukwu and take steps to ensure such tragic lapses never recur.
- Media bodies, professional groups, civil society organisations, and media practitioners should jointly demand accountability and justice for all victims of violence, and stand united in the fight against impunity.
- The Federal Government will investigate all unresolved cases of violence and killings linked to the media, in line with Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and of the press, as well as Nigeria’s commitments under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
IPC extends its deepest condolences to Ms Maduagwu’s family, the chairman and management of Arise News, her colleagues, and all who knew her.
