Somtochukwu Maduagwu, known as Sommie, an Arise TV news anchor, was buried in her hometown of Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, following her tragic death in an armed robbery attack at her Abuja residence in September 2025. The funeral, held after a solemn Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu, drew mourners including family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries like Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.
Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie, in his homily, urged the family to find solace in faith, noting that Sommie lived a purposeful life despite its brevity. “The maturity of life is the quality of life lived, not how long,” he said. Obi expressed grief, calling her death “heartbreaking” and reflective of Nigeria’s rising insecurity. He shared that he rushed back from Birmingham to attend, describing Sommie as “one of my daughters.”
Sommie’s uncle, Obi Maduagwu, thanked Arise News for their support since the tragedy and appreciated those who attended. Reports indicate the robbers broke into Sommie’s home at night, and despite being rushed to a hospital, she was pronounced dead.
