The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the death of Ms Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and reporter with Arise Television, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Abuja.

Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Katampe area of the city.

According to Adeh, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Ajao Adewale, described the killing as a cruel and senseless act with no place in a civilised society.

“To this end, the CP has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He has further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime,” Adeh said.

She assured that justice would be served and restated the command’s commitment to public safety and the prevention of similar crimes. Adeh also urged residents to support the investigation by providing timely and credible information, and to raise immediate alarms about suspicious activity to deny criminals the opportunity to strike.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has described Maduagwu’s death as a grievous loss not only to her family and colleagues but also to Nigeria’s media community and the nation at large.

In a condolence letter addressed to Arise News Chairman, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, and issued in Abuja on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister expressed shock at the untimely death of the young journalist.

“By every account, she was a vibrant and dedicated news anchor, a consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond. I am saddened by the heinous incident that cut down a promising young journalist in her prime,” Idris said.

He assured that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring a swift investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.

The minister also extended his condolences to Maduagwu’s parents, siblings, colleagues, and friends, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the tragic loss.