Ajao Adewale, commissioner of police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has explained how Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise Television, lost her life after armed robbers attacked her residence in Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that Somtochukwu died in the early hours of Monday in the Katampe area of the FCT. She and a private security guard were confirmed dead following the attack.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Adewale narrated that the incident began when the gunmen shot one of the security guards on duty, which triggered panic among residents. He said Sommie, who lived on the top floor of the three-storey building, jumped in fear during the chaos.
Adewale said, “Two private security guards were on duty and one of them, who had the courage to challenge them, sustained a gunshot injury.”
“Under this condition, you know the panic that would have resulted from this kind of environment. Sommie actually occupied an apartment on the topmost floor of the building, out of fear, she jumped down from the third floor.”
“A distress call was raised to the control room. Policemen moved to the scene, and all they could see was the unconscious body of Sommie on the floor.”
According to him, officers rushed Sommie to Maitama General Hospital, but doctors were unable to revive her despite efforts.
He said, “They took her to Maitama General Hospital, where the doctor on duty tried as much as possible to see whether they can resuscitate her using CPR. It is unfortunate, she did not make it.”
The commissioner clarified that Sommie was not shot during the robbery but died from injuries sustained after jumping in fear.
Adewale said, “On this particular incident, it is easy and obvious. They (armed robbers) came in… Sommie was not the only resident in that apartment. We are talking about 18 flats with 16 fully occupied. Handsets and cash from wallets were picked.”
“The wallets were thrown on the floor. It is obvious that it is a clear case of robbery. Sommie was not shoot, out of fear and panic, it is normal and reasonable for everyone, she jumped down.”
He stressed that the incident was a clear case of armed robbery, pointing to evidence gathered at the scene.
