Colleagues of the late ARISE News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, have expressed outrage over reports that the 29-year-old journalist was denied medical attention after sustaining injuries during a robbery attack at her Abuja residence.
During Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, ARISE anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati recounted details of the tragic incident, describing her death as a “preventable” loss that highlights failures within Nigeria’s healthcare system and the dangers faced by journalists.
According to Okpe, Maduagwu reportedly jumped from her home after learning that 14 armed robbers had invaded the building.
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Okpe stated: “She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot.”
The journalist’s life could have been saved, as Okpe lamented: “She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her.”
It was revealed that Maduagwu and an aged security guard were rushed to Maitama District General Hospital, where they both died after allegedly being denied prompt treatment because hospital staff demanded identification documents before attending to them.
Read Also: Police Speaks As ARISE News Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu Killed During Armed Robbery In Abuja
Dr Reuben Abati condemned the hospital’s alleged conduct as a violation of medical ethics and the law.
Abati stressed the legal requirement for immediate care: “This is an issue of the law in Nigeria. Anybody who is a victim of an accident… should be treated immediately.”
He lamented the failure of the staff, stating: “But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to stay faithful to their oath, which is to save lives.”
Abati called for accountability, stating, “I hope the hospital is properly identified, and sanctions where appropriate are applied to those on duty… Lives could have been saved.”
He also reflected on the risk inherent in their profession, describing the job as one that “can lead to a pathway of death,” adding, “This job that we do is a very dangerous one. It is unfortunate that a young woman has fallen.”
He concluded: “We are journalists. We have a duty. We are important to society. When Nigeria happens to us, it is a sad thing.”
The management of ARISE News previously described Maduagwu, a lawyer and former beauty queen who joined the channel in September 2024, as “delectable, intelligent, and bold.”
Their statement highlighted that “Through a blend of her legal dexterity and reportorial vigour, Sommie advocated for out-of-school children and campaigned energetically against sexual and gender-based violence.”
Emotionally, Maduagwu’s final post on X in August, just weeks before her death, has resurfaced, where she wrote: “I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about.”
The FCT Police Command has confirmed that an investigation is ongoing into the robbery and the circumstances surrounding her death.
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