The death of 29-year-old Arise News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, has sparked widespread outrage after reports emerged that she was denied urgent medical treatment at a government hospital in Abuja.
According to her colleagues, Somtochukwu—fondly called Sommie—sustained injuries after jumping from a building during a robbery attack. Though she survived the fall, she reportedly died after staff at a public hospital refused to treat her without seeing identification documents.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Tuesday, Arise TV anchors Ojy Okpe and Dr. Reuben Abati described the death as a preventable tragedy and a reflection of the deep failures in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Okpe said the incident occurred after a group of 14 armed robbers invaded the building where Somtochukwu lived. In a state of panic, she jumped from her apartment to escape. Despite surviving the fall, she was denied emergency care at the hospital.
“She didn’t die immediately. She was rushed to the hospital but was rejected,” Okpe said. “She and an elderly security guard injured during the attack were both denied treatment and later died. The hospital reportedly asked for identification before attending to them.”
Dr. Abati condemned the hospital’s conduct, calling it a violation of both medical ethics and Nigerian law, which mandates immediate treatment for emergency cases.
“This is a serious matter. Nigerian law is clear—anyone brought in after an accident must be treated immediately,” he said. “But in this case, the hospital refused to act, and lives were lost.”
Abati called for urgent action: “I hope the hospital is identified and that those on duty are sanctioned. We must send a clear message that lives matter.”
In response to the growing public outrage, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, expressed deep sadness over the incident. In a statement released by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike described Somtochukwu’s death as “painful and tragic,” especially for the media community and the country as a whole.
He offered prayers for her soul and assured Nigerians that the police would investigate the incident and ensure justice is served.
Further clarification came from the FCTA Mandate Secretary for Health Services, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, who stated that Somtochukwu was brought in dead to Maitama General Hospital at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday. She said a preliminary medical report would be handed over to police to support ongoing investigations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also joined in mourning the late journalist. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended condolences to Somtochukwu’s family, her colleagues at Arise News, and the entire Nigerian media.
Describing her death as “painful and avoidable,” Tinubu condemned the actions of those responsible and directed security agencies to immediately launch a full investigation and bring the culprits to justice.
“Ms. Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner,” the President said. “The government must ensure that such incidents do not go unpunished.”
He reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to public safety and urged healthcare providers to uphold their responsibility to save lives—regardless of identity or circumstance.
Somtochukwu’s death has triggered a fresh wave of debate on the recurring issue of medical negligence in Nigerian hospitals. Citizens, activists, and professionals in the healthcare and media sectors have demanded reform, accountability, and training for hospital staff to avoid similar tragedies.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express shock and anger, calling on the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Medical Association to discipline negligent hospitals and uphold medical ethics.
As investigations continue, Somtochukwu’s untimely death remains a painful reminder of the cost of a system that often fails its most vulnerable citizens, even in their most desperate hour.
