The remains of late Arise TV news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as “Sommie”, were laid to rest amid tears and tributes at her hometown, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday.
The heartbreaking ceremony drew hundreds of mourners who gathered to bid farewell to the young journalist, whose life was tragically cut short in September 2025 during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Abuja. Her coffin, surrounded by flowers and the grieving faces of loved ones, was interred at about 1:30 p.m. after a solemn funeral Mass held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.
The service was an emotional one, attended by family members, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, including the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who hails from the same community.
Sommie’s colleagues from Arise News, dressed in black, filled the church pews, their faces reflecting deep sorrow as the choir rendered hymns of comfort. Many described her burial as not just a funeral but a reminder of the fragility of life and the insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives in the country.
During his homily, Reverend Father Peter Ezewuzie, a priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, urged the grieving family to find strength in faith and gratitude for the short but impactful life Sommie lived. “The Lord who created us knows the beginning from the end,” he said in a calm but firm tone.
“You may be unhappy that a life has been cut short, but you won’t know if that is how God planned it. He is an all-knowing Father, so I urge you to grieve less.” The priest went on to describe Sommie as “a young woman who lived a quality life filled with purpose and light,” adding that “the maturity of life is not how long one lives but how well.”
Reverend Ezewuzie further comforted the congregation, saying, “God, who gave Christelle Somtoo Maduagwu to your family, loves her more than you do. The only thing you owe her is to remember her in your prayers.
She is in a better place today and will always remember us, too. Let us strive to live good lives because no one knows when their time will come.” His message, though solemn, brought a sense of peace to many hearts in the congregation, who nodded silently in agreement.
Speaking after the funeral mass, Mr. Peter Obi described Sommie’s death as “heartbreaking and a painful reminder of Nigeria’s growing insecurity.” He told mourners that he was deeply touched upon learning she was from his hometown. “When I heard of her death, I didn’t know she was from Agulu, even before I tweeted about it,” he said.
“Our coming here today is to console you, but we know that this loss is a huge one. It is the wish of God, and none of us can question Him. Please remember her and her family in your prayers.” He added emotionally, “Before I left Birmingham yesterday, I told some people that I was rushing back to Nigeria for the burial of one of my daughters. I told them to remember to pray for her, as she will be buried today.”
In his remarks, Mr. Obi Maduagwu, the uncle of the deceased and elder brother to her father, expressed gratitude to Arise News for their unwavering support since the tragedy occurred. “We thank the management of Arise News. They have been with us right from the beginning. We also thank everyone who journeyed all the way to be with us,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion. He described Sommie as a beacon of hope whose passion for journalism inspired many young women in the media industry.
Sommie’s death in September 2025 shocked the Nigerian media community. Reports indicated that armed robbers invaded her residence at night, and in the course of the attack, she sustained gunshot wounds.
Though she was rushed to a nearby hospital, she was later confirmed dead. Her untimely passing sparked nationwide outrage, with colleagues, friends, and public figures taking to social media to express grief.
Many described her as “brilliant, hardworking, and full of life.” The burial, attended by journalists, government officials, and residents, became a powerful moment of reflection – a farewell to a promising broadcaster whose light was extinguished far too soon, but whose legacy continues to shine in the hearts of those she inspired.