The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed utter sadness over the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and reporter with Arise News, who was killed in an armed robbery incident at her Katampe residence in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday as signed by its President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild described Somtochukwu’s death as a devastating loss, noting that journalism has been robbed of a promising professional who was committed to giving voices of the voiceless and shedding light on critical issues.
“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,” the statement read.
The editors stressed that the tragic incident is a poignant reminder of the insecurity bedeviling the nation. They highlighted the rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, and other violent crimes that continue to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
The Guild called on government authorities to urgently address the root causes of insecurity and ensure the protection of lives and property. It also demanded that security agencies identify and bring those responsible for Somtochukwu’s death to justice.
“At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with Arise News and the broader journalism community,” the Guild stated.
The statement concluded with a prayer that the memory of the young journalist, cut down in her prime, would inspire excellence in journalism despite adversity.
