The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the death of a member of staff at Arise News Channel, Miss Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.
Maduagwu, a 29-year-old reporter, presenter and producer at Arise News, was fatally injured after an armed robbery attack at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Monday. An estate security guard named Barnabas was also reportedly killed.
The Speaker, in a condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, described Maduagwu and the guard’s death as “unfortunate and painful.”
He described the journalist, who was also a lawyer, as “a brilliant young lady with a promising future.”
The Speaker especially commended Miss Maduagwu for her professional coverage and passion for the Reserved Seats Bill, which seeks more inclusion for women in politics and governance of the country. He noted how the late broadcaster was passionate about issues concerning gender and children.
Speaker Abbas called for a thorough investigation of the attack and the circumstances surrounding her death, especially with the conflicting accounts from different sources.
“Justice must not only be done to Miss Maduagwu and the security man but must be seen to have been done,” Speaker Abbas charged security agencies.
The Speaker restated the commitment of the House to giving all legislative support to the country’s security architecture, to deliver on the primary responsibility of the government: security and welfare of the people.
Speaker Abbas condoled Maduagwu and Barnabas’ families, the management and staff of Arise News, while extending his condolences to the Nigerian media on the “unbearable loss.”
Speaker Abbas prayed to God to grant the late Maduagwu and Barnabas eternal rest.
