The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed that Arise News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, died after leaping from the top floor of her Katampe residence during a robbery attack on Monday night.
The clarification comes amid speculation that her death was linked to alleged hospital negligence after she was taken to Maitama General Hospital.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, said officers who responded to the distress call found Maduagwu unconscious and rushed her to the hospital.
“Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it,” Adewale said.
He explained that armed robbers invaded Unique Apartments, a three-storey twin building with 18 flats around the Gishiri axis of Katampe.
During the chaos, a private guard who confronted the attackers was shot, while Maduagwu, who lived on the top floor, jumped from the third storey in panic.
“The consequences were tragic and very unfortunate,” the CP said, while commiserating with the journalist’s family, colleagues, and Nigerians shocked by the incident.
Adewale added that an investigation team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) had been constituted, with tactical units deployed to track down the attackers. “No stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he assured.
Maduagwu’s death has drawn widespread reactions.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors and several media professionals condemned the incident, linking it to worsening insecurity and poor emergency response.
President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu are among prominent figures who have mourned the journalist, describing her death as a painful loss to the media and the nation.