Tears and tributes filled the air on Saturday as the late Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, was laid to rest in her hometown, Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Among those present at the emotional ceremony was Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who joined family members, colleagues, and friends to pay his final respects. Obi described the journalist’s untimely death as both heartbreaking and a reflection of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Speaking after the funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu, Obi — who also hails from the community — expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“We cannot question God. When I heard of her death, I didn’t even know she was from Agulu. Our presence here is to console the family, though this loss is a huge one,” he said.
“Before I left Birmingham yesterday, I told people I was hurrying back to Nigeria for the burial of one of my daughters. Please remember her and her family in your prayers.”
Somtochukwu Maduagwu was killed during a suspected armed robbery attack at her Abuja residence in September 2025. She was laid to rest around 1:30 p.m. following the funeral service.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie of St. Theresa’s Parish encouraged the bereaved family to take solace in faith, noting that Maduagwu lived a purposeful and meaningful life.
“God knows the beginning and the end. Though her life was short, it was impactful,” he said. “The maturity of life is not in how long one lives, but in the quality of life lived. Let us all strive to live well, for no one knows their time.”Her uncle, Obi Maduagwu, expressed gratitude to Arise News for standing by the family throughout the difficult period.
“We thank the management of Arise News. They have been with us from the very beginning,” he said.Maduagwu’s death sparked widespread grief across Nigeria’s media industry. Colleagues, viewers, and fellow journalists continue to mourn the loss of a vibrant and promising broadcaster whose work left a lasting impact on the journalism landscape.