The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has described the death of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, as a regrettable loss to the media industry and the nation.
This was contained in a letter of condolence signed by Idris and addressed to the Chairman of the Arise News channel, Chief Nduka Obaigbena and issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim on Tuesday in Abuja.
Recall that NPO reported that the 29-year-old lawyer turned journalist passed way in the early hours of Monday following the armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja.
According to the minister, her death is a grievous loss not only to her immediate family and the Arise News team, but to the Nigerian media fraternity and indeed, the nation.
“I write to convey our deepest condolences to you and the entire ARISE News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.
“By every account, she was a vibrant and a dedicated news anchor, 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.
“Ms Somtochukwu’s tragic death is a grievous loss not only to the ARISE News family but to the Nigerian media fraternity, and indeed the nation,” Idris said.
He gave assurances for a swift investigation to unravel the circumstances leading to the death of the late news anchor.
The minister also extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.