Tears as slain Arise TV journalist Somto Maduagwu is laid to rest in Anambra

Tears flowed freely on Saturday as Somtochukwu Maduagwu, the late Arise Television news anchor popularly known as “Sommie,” was laid to rest in her hometown of Agulu, Anaocha local government area of Anambra state.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined family members, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries at the solemn ceremony to bid farewell to the slain journalist.

Obi, who also hails from Agulu, described Maduagwu’s death as heartbreaking and a painful reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

Maduagwu was killed in September during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Abuja. She was buried around 1:30 p.m. after a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.

Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie of St. Theresa’s Parish consoled the bereaved family, urging them to find comfort in the belief that Maduagwu lived a meaningful and impactful life.

Ezewuzie said: “The Lord who created us knows the beginning from the end. “He is an all-knowing Father, so I urge you to grieve less.

“God, who gave Christelle Somtoo Maduagwu to your family, loves her more than you do. The only thing you owe her is to continue to remember her in your prayers. She is in a better place today and will always remember us too.

“The maturity of life is the quality of life lived and not how long, and we can be sure that our sister lived a quality life. Let us strive to live our lives well because no one knows when it will be their time.”

The deceased’s uncle, Obi Maduagwu, commended Arise News Channel for standing by the family since her death.

“We thank the management of Arise News. They have been with us right from the beginning. We thank all who journeyed all the way to be with us,” he said.

Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, friends, and prominent Nigerians, who described her as intelligent, hardworking, and full of promise.

Saturday’s burial drew journalists, government officials, and members of the Agulu community, all of whom paid their last respects to the late journalist.