The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has demanded that those responsible for the situation that led to the death of Arise News anchor and reporter, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu should be found out by ‘security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law’.
Armed robbers reportedly invaded Maduagwu’s Katampe, Abuja residence in the early hours of Monday.
The reporter and one of the guards at the premises later died at the Maitama District Hospital.
In a statement on Tuesday, the NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba; and General Secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh expressed concern on insecurity plaguing the country.
‘The increasing frequency of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists’, the Guild said.
The NGE described Maduagwu as a dedicated journalist’, adding that the ‘armed robbery incident is a stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes and on the street’.
The Guild said it is saddened by the death of reporter, and that ‘by Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional, who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country’.
It expressed solidarity with the station and the broader journalism community.
‘We pray that the memory of this talented young journalist who died at her prime inspire excellence in journalism, even in the face of adversity’, the NGE said.
