The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has confirmed that Arise Television anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, popularly called Sommie, lost her life after jumping from the third floor of her apartment in Katampe, Abuja, during a violent robbery.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when armed men invaded the residential building.
According to eyewitnesses, the gang arrived around 3am, opened fire on the security guards on duty, and went from one flat to another, dispossessing occupants of cash and valuables.
One of the security guards who attempted to resist the attack was shot, while another was killed.
The chaos that followed forced terrified residents to seek safety by any means.
Sommie, who lived on the top floor of the building, reportedly panicked and leapt from her apartment window in a desperate attempt to escape.
Police officers responding to a distress call later found her lying unconscious on the ground.
“She was immediately rushed to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors battled to save her life. Unfortunately, despite administering CPR, she was confirmed dead,” Adewale said while speaking on the Arise TV Morning Show.
The commissioner clarified that contrary to circulating rumours, the journalist was not shot but died from injuries sustained after the fall.
“This was a clear case of armed robbery. She jumped out of fear and panic, which is understandable given the circumstances. It is sad that we lost her,” he added.
The death of the young broadcaster, along with that of a security guard, has sparked outrage among Abuja residents who say the Katampe area has witnessed a worrying increase in violent robberies in recent months.
