By Ayomide Otitoju
The father of late Arise TV presenter, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, has spoken about her life, aspirations, and the devastating tragedy that ended them after she was killed during a robbery at her Abuja residence.
In an emotional interview with Punch, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu revealed that his daughter had turned down an opportunity to return abroad for her master’s degree, choosing instead to remain in Nigeria to “work and make a difference.”
“I had already booked her ticket to return abroad for her master’s, but she insisted she wanted to work for at least two years in Nigeria before going back,” he said. “She believed her voice was needed here to push for change.”
Somtochukwu, born on December 26, 1995, studied in the United Kingdom before returning home to attend Law School and complete her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Her father described her as deeply passionate about women’s inclusion in politics, with a dream of one day becoming a senator.
“She wanted to help the needy and ensure women’s voices were heard,” he said.
Before her untimely death, Somtochukwu had planned to celebrate her upcoming birthday by hosting children and residents in her hometown of Agulu, Anambra State.
Recalling one of their last joyful memories, Maduagwu spoke about their trip to Tangier, Morocco, in September 2025.
“We went to the beach and took a city tour on one of those double-decker buses. It was a beautiful bonding moment, just father and daughter,” he said.
He described her loss as unbearable.
“She was the handbag of the house. Everywhere we went, it was ‘Sommie, Sommie, Sommie.’ Her death has pierced my heart like an arrow.”
Somtochukwu’s death has reignited national outrage over insecurity in Abuja and other urban centres. Media colleagues, civil society groups, and advocates have condemned the worsening security situation and called for stronger protection measures for journalists and young professionals.
A senior broadcast editor described her as “one of the brightest voices of her generation, whose potential was limitless.”
Security analysts say the tragedy reflects the broader insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s major cities, where incidents of armed robbery and home invasions are on the rise.
Investigations into the robbery are ongoing, while advocacy groups continue to press for justice and urgent reforms to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, the Maduagwu family says they hope Somtochukwu’s legacy will inspire young Nigerians to pursue justice, courage, and national transformation.
“It’s painful that her dreams were left unfulfilled,” her father said. “The government must do more to safeguard lives.”
