News Anchor Dies After Falling 3 Stories to Escape Armed Robbers in Nigeria

A news anchor in Nigeria has died after jumping from the third floor of her apartment in an attempt to escape armed robbers.

Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, 29, “tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence” in Abuja during the “early hours” of Monday, Sept. 29, per a press release from Commissioner of Police Ajao S. Adewale of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

Maduagwu, who was an anchor and producer for Nigerian news channel Arise News, jumped and fell three stories in an attempt to evade armed robbers, according to police, per The Mirror, The Sun and Vanguard Nigeria. She was found unconscious on the ground below and rushed to the hospital, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries, per the outlets.

PEOPLE reached out to the Nigerian Police Force and the Federal Capital Territory Administration for comment on Saturday, Oct. 4, but did not receive immediate responses. 

Adewale described the incident as “a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society,” adding that a “comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident” has been ordered.

He further stated that police have deployed “intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for” the “heinous crime,” per the release.

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Arise News station management called Maduagwu a “beloved colleague” in a statement shared on Instagram on Sept. 29, adding that she was “a vibrant voice” who “engaged and connected with our viewers.”

“Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many,” they continued, adding, “Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits.”

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, posted about the tragedy on Instagram on Sept. 30, stating that he was “shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating news.”

He continued, “I join His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on the call to all security agencies to thoroughly investigate this tragic incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” before adding that he extends his “heartfelt condolences” to Maduagwu’s family, friends and colleagues.