The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a correspondent with Arise News jumped from the third floor of her Katampe apartment during an armed robbery attack on Monday, September 29.
Ajao Adewale, Police Commissioner, disclosed the details on Wednesday during a live appearance on Arise Television, where he described the incident as “tragic and very unfortunate.”
According to eyewitnesses and vigilantes within the compound, Maduagwu jumped from the third storey of the three-floor residential building, identified as Unique Apartments, while trying to escape the attackers.
“She landed on the concrete pavement and was found unconscious in critical condition before being rushed to Maitama General Hospital.
Confirming the events that led to her tragic death, Adewale said police officers arrived at the scene to find the journalist unconscious.
“Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it,” he said.
The police commissioner explained that the armed robbers had gained access to the apartment complex, a twin three-storey building with 18 flats located around the Gishiri axis of Katampe, under the Mabushi Division.
Two private security guards were on duty at the time of the attack. One of them reportedly attempted to resist the robbers but sustained a gunshot injury in the process.
“In the panic that followed, Sommie, who lived on the topmost floor of the building, jumped down from the third storey. The consequences were tragic and very unfortunate,” Adewale said.
He further revealed that a special investigation team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation), had been constituted to track down the perpetrators.
“We have set up a specific investigation team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation, with all tactical units involved to track down the culprits.
“The leads we are getting are already being worked on, and no stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he assured.
The commissioner extended condolences on behalf of the command to Maduagwu’s family, her colleagues at Arise News, and Nigerians who have been deeply shaken by the incident.
“The FCT Command once again commiserates with the family of Sommie, the Arise News family, and Nigerians deeply touched by this ugly and disturbing incident,” Adewale said.
