By Charles Pemu 
AGULU, ANAMBRA STATE – Tears and solemn tributes marked the final rites for Miss Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu (fondly known as ‘Sommie’), the vibrant ARISE News anchor whose life was tragically cut short by an armed robbery incident in her Abuja home last month.
The 29-year-old journalist was laid to rest on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in her hometown of Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The interment, which took place at her father’s compound shortly after a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu, drew a crowd of family, friends, colleagues from the media industry, and prominent dignitaries.
Among those who attended was the former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who also hails from the Agulu community.
Speaking after the Mass, Mr. Obi described Sommie’s death as “heartbreaking” and a painful reminder of the persistent insecurity plaguing the nation.
“We cannot question God,” Obi stated. “When I heard of her death, I didn’t know that she was from Agulu even before I tweeted about it. Her loss is deeply painful, but we must accept the will of God and continue to remember her and her family in our prayers.”
The officiating minister, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie, urged the bereaved family to find solace in the meaningful life Sommie lived, stressing that “the maturity of life is the quality of life lived and not how long.”
The family, speaking through Sommie’s uncle, Mr. Obi Maduagwu, expressed profound gratitude to the management of ARISE News Channel for their unwavering support since the tragedy occurred.
Somtochukwu Maduagwu died on September 29, 2025, after suffering fatal injuries during a robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja. Her untimely passing continues to fuel national conversations about safety and the need for justice.