By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has condemned the killing of the Arise News Anchor and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, popularly known as "Sommie" in an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe area of Abuja on Monday.

FENRAD decried what it describes as "tragic death" in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, and dated 29 September 2025. The human rights and civic society organisation lamented that the death of the 29-year-old journalist was not just a loss to her family but the entire nation. Reports indicate that Maduagwu was one of the hundreds of Nigerian journalists killed or harassed in the past ten years, raising security questions and the political will of Nigerian leaders to accommodate checks and dissents.

FENRAD has challenged the effectiveness of Nigeria's security infrastructure in experiencing violence in the country's capital, which, according to FENRAD, "should be the most secure part of the country."

In their words: "Her (Maduagwu's) tragic death is not only a personal loss to her family and the media industry, but also a national tragedy that underscores the rapid deterioration of security across Nigeria, including in the Federal Capital Territory, which should be the most secure part of the country.

"This cold-blooded killing, taking place at the very heart of Nigeria's seat of power, raises grave questions about the effectiveness of the country?s security infrastructure and the political will of those tasked with safeguarding lives and property. If a journalist?whose work is to inform and hold power accountable?can be killed so brazenly in her home within Abuja, then nowhere in Nigeria can be considered safe," they further argued.

FENRAD has also argued that the earlier killing of Emeka Ugwumadu, a journalist in the FCT, and the several violent occurrences across the federation, seemed to corroborate the assertion that Nigeria was heading towards a failed state where human rights to life are not guaranteed.

"This is not an isolated case. It echoes the earlier killing of Emeka Ugwumadu, also in the FCT, and countless other Nigerians who have fallen victim to rampant violence, banditry, kidnappings, and lawlessness from Sokoto to Enugu, Borno to Bayelsa. It is yet another grim indicator that Nigeria is teetering on the brink of a failed state?where the most fundamental responsibility of government, the protection of human life, is no longer guaranteed," they lamented.

The civic society organization commiserates with the bereaved family and colleagues of Maduagwu, describing the deceased as "not only a reporter, producer, and anchor, but also a trained lawyer and a bright symbol of youth aspiration and professionalism in the media space. Her killing is an irreparable loss to the journalism profession and to a nation desperate for young leaders of vision, courage, and integrity."

However, FENRAD has demanded an independent investigation into the matter, arguing that condolences alone are not enough to pay for the irreparable loss. They are also calling for an "immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible" and "an urgent security audit of the Federal Capital Territory and reform of Nigeria?s failing internal security mechanisms." The group has also stressed the urgent need for the protection of journalists who, they argued, are increasingly becoming targets in the seemingly hostile environment.

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