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Tears flowed freely on Saturday as the remains of late Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as “Sommie,” were laid to rest in her hometown of Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Among those present at the emotional ceremony were Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, family members, colleagues, friends, and dignitaries who gathered to bid farewell to the slain journalist.
Obi, who hails from the same town, described Maduagwu’s death as heartbreaking and a reflection of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity. Speaking after the funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu, he said, “We cannot question God. This loss is a huge one, but it is His will. Please remember her and her family in your prayers.” He added that before leaving Birmingham, he had told friends he was returning home for “the burial of one of my daughters.”
Maduagwu was buried at about 1:30 p.m. following the Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie, who urged the bereaved family to take comfort in the belief that she lived a purposeful and meaningful life. “The maturity of life is not how long we live, but the quality of the life we live,” he said. “God loves her more than we do. She is in a better place.”
Her uncle, Obi Maduagwu, expressed gratitude to the management of Arise News Channel for their consistent support, saying, “They have been with us right from the beginning. We appreciate everyone who came to stand with us.”
Tributes have continued to pour in from journalists, public figures, and admirers who remembered her as intelligent, hardworking, and full of promise. Saturday’s burial drew journalists, government officials, and members of the Agulu community, who paid their last respects to a talented broadcaster whose bright future was tragically cut short.
