Somtochukwu Maduagwu death shocks Nigeria after robbery

Somtochukwu Maduagwu death has sent shockwaves across Nigeria following the tragic incident at her Katampe residence in Abuja. The Arise News correspondent lost her life after jumping from the top floor of her apartment during a violent armed robbery on Monday night, an event now under police investigation.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed that armed robbers stormed Unique Apartments, a three-storey twin building with eighteen flats.

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Two security guards were on duty at the time, one of whom was shot after courageously confronting the assailants.

Amid the chaos, Maduagwu, who lived on the top floor, leapt from her apartment in panic.

She was found unconscious by officers who rushed her to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors attempted to resuscitate her through CPR but could not save her life.

Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale said investigators, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation), have been tasked with pursuing the attackers.

He assured that no stone would be left unturned until justice is secured.

The police also extended condolences to Maduagwu’s family, colleagues, and the wider Nigerian public who have been deeply unsettled by the tragedy.

Confusion arose earlier when reports suggested that hospital negligence was responsible for her death. However, the police stressed that she was already unconscious upon arrival and that medical staff made every effort to revive her.

The conflicting accounts have sparked debate about Nigeria’s emergency response system, with journalists and civic groups urging greater accountability.

Maduagwu, 29, was not only a prominent journalist and lawyer but also a model and beauty queen, having been first runner-up at Miss Tourism Nigeria 2023.

Her death has drawn tributes from President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and media associations across the country.

Her passing underscores the rising concern over insecurity in Abuja and highlights urgent calls for both improved policing and hospital readiness in emergencies.