The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has confirmed that Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, died after leaping from the third floor of her apartment during an armed robbery in Katampe, Abuja.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when gunmen invaded the residential building, overpowering security personnel and robbing occupants of their valuables. Both Sommie and a private security guard attached to the property lost their lives in the attack.
Residents described the incident as part of a disturbing rise in robberies across the area, noting that the assailants arrived around 3 a.m. and wielded superior firepower.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Commissioner Adewale explained that the gunmen first shot a security guard on duty, causing panic among residents. He said Sommie, who lived on the top floor of the building, attempted to escape by jumping from her apartment.
“Out of fear and panic, she jumped down from the third floor,” Adewale stated. “When our officers arrived, they found her unconscious on the ground. She was immediately rushed to Maitama General Hospital, where medical personnel tried to resuscitate her through CPR but sadly, she did not survive.”
The commissioner stressed that evidence recovered from the scene confirmed it was a case of armed robbery. He clarified that Sommie was not shot, contrary to earlier speculations.
“It is obvious this is a clear case of robbery. Sommie was not shot. Unfortunately, out of fear, she jumped down, which led to her death,” he added.
The tragic death of the young journalist has sparked fresh concerns about the rising insecurity in Abuja, with residents calling for stronger measures to protect lives and property.
