The remains of the late ARISE News anchor,
Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, have been laid to rest in her hometown, Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Newsonspot reports that Sommie, who tragically lost her life in September 2025 during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Abuja, was buried on Saturday after a solemn funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.
The service drew a large crowd of mourners, including family members, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries – among them the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who also hails from Agulu.
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During his sermon, Reverend Father Peter Ezewuzie of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church urged the grieving family to find comfort in the belief that Sommie lived a meaningful life.
“The Lord who created us knows the beginning and the end. Though her life was cut short, God, who gave Christelle Somtoo Maduagwu to your family, loves her more than you do,” he said.
“The maturity of life is not in how long one lives but in the quality of life lived. We can be sure that our sister lived a quality life. Let us strive to live well, for no one knows when it will be their time.”
In an emotional tribute, Peter Obi described Sommie’s passing as heartbreaking and a painful reminder of the nation’s insecurity challenges.
“We cannot question God,” he said. “When I heard of her death, I didn’t know she was from Agulu. Our presence here is to console the family, but we know this loss is a huge one. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.”
He added that before leaving Birmingham for Nigeria, he had told those around him that he was returning home to attend the burial of “one of my daughters,” urging everyone to keep her in their thoughts and prayers.
Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu will be remembered as a bright, passionate journalist whose voice and presence inspired many.
