Tearful farewell as Arise TV anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, laid to rest in Peter Obi’s hometown

The late Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as “Sommie,” was laid to rest on Saturday amid an outpouring of grief in her hometown of Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Maduagwu, who lost her life in September 2025 following an armed robbery attack at her Abuja residence, was buried at about 1:30 p.m. after a funeral Mass at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.

Family members, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries — including the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi , who also hails from Agulu,— gathered to bid farewell to the vibrant journalist, whose death shocked Nigeria’s media community.

Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie of St Theresa’s Catholic Church urged the bereaved family to take comfort in the legacy she left behind.

Ezewuzie said, “The Lord who created us knows the beginning from the end. He is all-knowing, and some of you may be unhappy that a life has been cut short, but you won’t know if that is how God planned it.“He (God) is an all-knowing father, so I urge you to grieve less. God, who gave Christelle Somtoo Maduagwu to your family, loves her more than you do. The only thing you owe her is to continue to remember her in your prayers. She is in a better place today and will always remember us, too.“The maturity of life is the quality of life lived and not how long, and we can be sure that our sister lived a quality life. Let us strive to live our lives well. We are not here by chance; there is someone who brought us here, and he expects that you will live a good life because no one knows when it will be their time.”

In his tribute, Peter Obi described Sommie’s death as both heartbreaking and a stark reminder of the insecurity ravaging the nation.

Obi said, “We can not question God. When I heard of her death, I didn’t know that she was from Agulu, even before I tweeted about it.“Our coming here will help 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 God. Please do remember her and her immediate family in your prayers.“Before I left Birmingham yesterday, I told some people who were with me that I was rushing back to Nigeria for the burial of one of my daughters. I told them to remember to pray for her all the time, as she will be buried today.”

The late journalist’s uncle, Mr. Obi Maduagwu, expressed gratitude to Arise News for their unwavering support since the tragedy.

He said, “We thank the management of Arise News. They have been with us right from the beginning. We thank all who journeyed all the way to be with us.”

Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s tragic passing in September, after armed robbers invaded her Abuja home, sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. She was rushed to a nearby hospital following the attack but was later confirmed dead.

Her death has continued to draw heartfelt tributes from colleagues, friends, and notable Nigerians, who described her as intelligent, hardworking, and full of promise.

The funeral brought together journalists, public figures, and community members who came to honour the memory of a bright young broadcaster whose light was extinguished too soon, but whose legacy endures in the hearts of many.