Arise TV Anchors Blame Hospital Negligence for Death of Correspondent Somtochukwu Maduagwu

Arise TV anchors have condemned what they described as hospital negligence in the death of their colleague, correspondent Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who died at the age of 29 after a robbery attack in Abuja.

During Tuesday’s broadcast of The Morning Show, anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati recounted details of the incident, calling it a preventable tragedy that underscores the dangers of journalism and the failures of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

According to Okpe, Maduagwu reportedly jumped from her apartment after learning that 14 armed robbers had invaded her residence. Though she survived the fall, she was later taken to Maitama District General Hospital where she and a security guard who was also injured in the attack allegedly died after hospital staff refused to treat them without identification documents.

“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,” Okpe said.

Abati described the hospital’s actions as both unethical and unlawful, stressing that accident and emergency victims should be treated immediately without delay. He urged authorities to investigate and hold accountable those responsible, noting that “lives could have been saved.”

The veteran journalist also reflected on the risks faced by reporters, saying, “This job that we do is a very dangerous one. It is unfortunate that a young woman has fallen.”

Maduagwu’s final social media post in August, where she wrote, “I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about,” has resurfaced following news of her death, sparking widespread emotional reactions.

ARISE News described her as “delectable, intelligent, and bold,” noting her advocacy for out-of-school children and her campaigns against sexual and gender-based violence. A lawyer and former beauty queen, Maduagwu joined the station in September 2024 after representing Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World Pageant in Quanzhou, China.

The FCT Police Command has confirmed an ongoing investigation into the robbery and the circumstances surrounding her death. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, viewers, and admirers who remember her as passionate, fearless, and full of promise.