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The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, has said that Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise Television, leapt from a three-storey building during an armed robbery attack at her residence.
Somtochukwu, popularly known as Sommie, lost her life in the early hours of Monday after armed robbers invaded her home in the Katampe area of Abuja. A private security guard at the residence also died in the incident.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Adewale explained that the gunmen shot one of the security guards, which triggered panic among residents.
The FCT police commissioner said Sommie, who lived on the third floor, “out of fear and panic” jumped down during the incident. He noted that officers who responded to the scene found her unconscious on the ground.
“Two private security guards were on duty and one of them, who had the courage to challenge them, sustained a gunshot injury,” he said.
“Under this condition, you know the panic that would have resulted from this kind of environment.
“Sommie actually occupied an apartment on the topmost floor of the building, out of fear, she jumped down from the third floor.
“A distress call was raised to the control room. Policemen moved to the scene, and all they could see was the unconscious body of Sommie on the floor.”
Adewale added that Sommie was taken to Maitama General Hospital where doctors attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but she could not be revived.
The commissioner stressed that the case was a clear incident of armed robbery, citing evidence gathered at the scene. He clarified that Sommie was not shot but died after leaping from the third floor “out of fear and panic.”
“On this particular incident, it is easy and obvious. They (armed robbers) came in… Sommie was not the only resident in that apartment,” he said.
“We are talking about 18 flats with 16 fully occupied. Handsets and cash from wallets were picked. The wallets were thrown on the floor.
”It is obvious that it is a clear case of robbery. Sommie was not shot, out of fear and panic, it is normal and reasonable for everyone, she jumped down.
“They took her to Maitama General Hospital, where the doctor on duty tried as much as possible to see whether they can resuscitate her using CPR. It is unfortunate, she did not make it.”
