Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has mourned the death of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, describing her passing as “tragic and painful.”
In a statement on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said the incident was not just a loss to Arise News but also to the Nigerian media and the entire nation.
“I feel pained that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in its prime. It is sad!” the minister said.
He assured that the police would investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the 29-year-old journalist and bring those responsible to justice.
According to the FCT Administration’s Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, the deceased was brought into Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.
Wike added that a preliminary medical report would be handed over to investigators to assist the probe.
The minister expressed his condolences to the management and staff of Arise News, especially its Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, as well as the family and friends of the late broadcaster.
He prayed for the repose of her soul and for God to grant her loved ones the strength to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.