Arise News Anchor Somtochukwu: Media Community Demand Justice

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The Nigerian media industry is in mourning following the murder of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a young journalist with Arise News.

Somtochukwu was killed in her Abuja residence on September 29, 2025, by suspected armed robbers.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the League of Anambra Journalists in Abuja (LAJA), described the killing as a devastating loss, not only to Maduagwu’s family and colleagues but also to the entire Nigerian media industry.

“Somtochukwu was not only a shining light in the newsroom but also a passionate voice for truth, justice, and accountability.

” Her tragic passing is a huge blow to journalism and to the nation at large,” the association said.

The League condemned the killing and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly in arresting and prosecuting those responsible.

“Anything less would be an injustice to Somtochukwu’s memory and an affront to the ideals of justice and human dignity,” the group stressed.

Beyond mourning the loss, LAJA also raised concerns over the growing insecurity faced by journalists in Nigeria, calling for urgent action to protect media practitioners who play a vital role in strengthening democracy.

Signed by Princess-Ekwi Ajide, Interim Secretary, and Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, Interim President, the statement describes Maduagwu’s death as “a cruel extinguishing of a bright future” .

The group emphasised that her courage and commitment would remain an enduring source of inspiration.

As tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, civil society, and the public, calls for justice grow louder for a journalist whose life and career were cut short in her prime.