The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has strongly condemned the killing of Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a news anchor with Arise News Television, who was reportedly murdered by suspected robbers at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Femi Oyewale, NASRE described the incident as “barbaric and senseless,” lamenting that the slain journalist was a promising professional whose life was cruelly cut short.
Her death is not just a personal tragedy to her family, colleagues, and friends, but also a huge loss to the Nigerian media and to the nation at large, the statement read.
The editors’ body called on security agencies to urgently track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law, warning that failure to do so would embolden criminals and further endanger the lives of Nigerians.
NASRE also urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts in protecting lives and property nationwide.
Citizens cannot continue to live in fear within their homes and communities. The government must match words with action by strengthening intelligence, policing, and prosecutorial mechanisms that deter such violent crimes, the association stressed.
While commiserating with Maduagwu’s family, colleagues at Arise News, and the wider media fraternity, NASRE prayed for her soul to rest in peace and insisted that justice must not be delayed.