Eno, Sanwo-Olu condoles Obaigbena over Somotochukwu’s death

Governor Umo Eno of A’Ibom State has sent a condolence message to The Management of Arise TV over the tragic and untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, the 29-year-old Arise TV Anchor and Correspondent, who lost her life in an armed robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja.

The condolence message was addressed to the Chairman of The ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and signed by Ekerete Udo, his Chief Press Secretary.

Eno described Sommie as “a brilliant, dedicated, and promising journalist whose eloquence, professionalism, and passion greatly enriched news anchorage and inspired countless viewers across the country”.

“She had a great future ahead of her. At just 29, she had traversed the worlds of beauty pageantry, law, and the media with brilliance, panache and poise. Her demise is not only a great  loss to ARISE Media Group and the Maduagwu family, but also to the Nigerian media as a whole.” The Message read in part.

Eno further highlighted the fact that the safety of journalists, who play such a vital role in strengthening democracy and social ethos, must remain sacrosanct.

“At this painful moment, on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I commiserate with Prince Nduka Obaigbena, the Management and Staff of ARISE Media Group, and the Maduagwu family. We pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and that Sommie’s gentle soul rests in eternal peace,” the message read.

Also, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, mourned the passage of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was reportedly killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the late Maduagwu, fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues, as a fast-rising star in the broadcast profession, noting that she discharged her duty diligently and passionately while on air, reporting.

The governor also commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends and colleagues, management and staff of ARISE News, especially the founder, Mr Nduka Obaigbena, over the death of 29-year-old Maduagwu.

He said, “On behalf of the government and the people of Lagos State, we commiserate with ARISE News over the death of one of its news anchors, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was reportedly killed during an armed robbery attack in his house at Abuja.

“Somtochukwu Maduagwu was a diligent and thoroughbred professional. Her death was a big shock considering the way she was killed, but we take solace in the Almighty God that she lived a fulfilled life and made positive impacts in the media industry.

“She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, associates and colleagues and the entire management and staff of ARISE News. I pray that God will comfort everyone close to her and grant her eternal rest.

“My prayers and thoughts are with her immediate family and the Chairman of ARISE TV, Mr Nduka Obaigbena. May God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.