Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a 29-year-old news anchor, reporter and producer at ARISE News, was fatally shot during an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja on the night of September 29, 2025. The station confirmed her death via a public statement, describing her as “a vibrant voice” whose legacy would endure even though her “voice is now silent.”

Her passing has generated an outpouring of grief across Nigeria, with colleagues, media bodies, and political figures condemning the attack and mourning the loss of a rising talent. The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has called for a thorough forensic investigation, while security agencies are already said to be leading tactical operations and coordinating efforts to apprehend her killers.

Maduagwu had joined ARISE in September 2024 and had also competed in beauty pageants, she first appeared on ARISE as a guest after winning Miss Tourism Nigeria, before representing the country at Miss Tourism World in China. In its statement, ARISE pledged not to forget her contributions and urged swift justice for her murder.