By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The International Press Centre (IPC) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to investigate the death of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise News Channel, who was killed after an armed gang attack in Abuja on September 29, 2025.
The rights group described the incident as both a tragedy and an indictment of Nigeria’s fragile emergency and healthcare systems, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent a recurrence.
In a statement issued by IPC’s Communications Officer, Olutoyin Ayoade, its Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, expressed sorrow over the loss, demanding accountability from both the security agencies and medical institutions allegedly involved in the delayed response.
Reports indicated that the attack occurred around 3:00 a.m. at Unique Apartments in Katampe, Abuja. Armed men, numbering about fifteen, stormed the premises, raided all sixteen apartments, and left residents traumatised.
Family members of the late journalist alleged that her death was worsened by hospital staff who refused treatment until her identification was provided. “This tragic event highlights deep failures in Nigeria’s healthcare and emergency response systems,” IPC stated.
The group insisted that a thorough and independent probe must be conducted, not only to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice but also to hold accountable those whose negligence may have cost Ms. Maduagwu her life.
“This case must not be swept under the carpet. Failure to conclude the investigation and prosecute those responsible would create a dangerous environment for citizens and media professionals, while further entrenching a culture of impunity,” IPC warned.
The centre recalled that just weeks earlier, journalist Peter Ojo was killed in Ibadan, adding to a disturbing trend of unresolved cases. According to IPC’s 2024 monitoring report, 45 attacks on journalists and three on media outlets were recorded, many of which remain unresolved. Between 1992 and 2024, at least 22 journalists have died under suspicious circumstances without conclusive investigations.
IPC therefore urged the Nigeria Police Force and the FCT Command to carry out and publicly release the results of a transparent inquiry. It also pressed the Federal Government to urgently reform emergency medical systems so that victims of violence receive immediate care without bureaucratic hurdles.
Extending condolences to Maduagwu’s family, colleagues, and the management of Arise News, IPC called on media bodies, civil society organisations, and professional associations to unite in demanding justice, citing constitutional guarantees of press freedom and Nigeria’s international commitments to human rights.