Tears As Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu Is Laid To Rest In Agulu
It was a heartbreaking scene on Saturday as family, friends, and colleagues gathered in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, to bid farewell to late Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly called “Sommie.”
The funeral Mass took place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu, and drew mourners from different parts of Nigeria who came to honour the journalist whose life was tragically cut short. Her body was later laid to rest around 1:30 p.m. amid tears and tributes.
Among the mourners was former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who joined others to pay his respects.
In his sermon, Reverend Father Peter Ezewuzie of St. Theresa’s Parish urged the grieving family to take comfort in the belief that Sommie lived a meaningful life and fulfilled her purpose.
“The Lord who created us knows the beginning and the end,” he said. “You may feel her life was cut short, but God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding. He loves her more than you do. The best gift you can offer her now is your prayers. She lived a quality life, and that’s what truly matters.”
Peter Obi described her death as a painful loss, emphasizing that no one could question God’s will.
“We cannot question God,” he said. “When I first heard about her passing, I didn’t even know she was from Agulu. This is a huge loss, but it is the will of God. Before I left Birmingham yesterday, I told people I was rushing home for the burial of one of my daughters. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.”
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Sommie’s uncle, Mr. Obi Maduagwu, expressed deep appreciation to Arise News for their unwavering support since her death.
“We sincerely thank the management of Arise News. They have stood by us from the very beginning,” he said. “We are also grateful to everyone who travelled from different places to mourn with us.”
Somtochukwu Maduagwu tragically lost her life in September 2025 during an armed robbery attack at her home in Abuja, a tragedy that left colleagues and viewers across the country in shock.
