Colleagues of the departed ARISE News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, have condemned reports that the 29-year-old journalist was denied medical treatment after being injured during a robbery at her Abuja home.
During Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati described the incident as a preventable death that exposed the dangers faced by journalists and failures in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
According to Okpe, “She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot. She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her.”
It was gathered that both Maduagwu and a security guard were rushed to Maitama District General Hospital, where they died after reportedly being denied prompt treatment because staff demanded identification before attending to them.
Abati condemned the hospital’s conduct, saying, “This is an issue of the law in Nigeria. Anybody who is a victim of an accident… should be treated immediately. But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to stay faithful to their oath, which is to save lives.
“I hope the hospital is properly identified, and sanctions where appropriate are applied to those on duty… Lives could have been saved.”
Reflecting on the risks of journalism, Abati said, “This job that we do is a very dangerous one. It is unfortunate that a young woman has fallen.”
Maduagwu’s last post on X in August has since resurfaced, where she wrote, “I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about.”
In a statement, ARISE News described her as “delectable, intelligent, and bold,” adding, “Through a blend of her legal dexterity and reportorial vigour, Sommie advocated for out-of-school children and campaigned energetically against sexual and gender-based violence.”
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media, with colleagues and admirers describing her as fearless, passionate, and full of promise.
“We are journalists. We have a duty. We are important to society. When Nigeria happens to us, it is a sad thing ,” Abati said.
