It was an emotional scene on Wednesday as relatives, friends, colleagues, and sympathisers gathered at the Corpus Christi Cathedral in Port Harcourt for the Service of Songs in honour of late Arise TV anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was killed by armed robbers in her Abuja apartment.
Peak Newspaper gathered that the Dressed in black, mourners— including Somto’s parents, siblings, and close friends—could not hold back tears as tributes poured in for the journalist, described as a bright and impactful young woman.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Ezeunara Charles recalled that the family had been preparing for Somto’s traditional wedding before the tragedy struck. He urged the congregation to reflect on the brevity of life and the legacy each person leaves behind.
“What will you be remembered for when you die?” he asked. “We lost somebody special. Sommy was a good woman whose memories will linger. God is aware of everything, and He will not abandon us.”
Also officiating, Rev. Fr. Prof. Columbus Ogbijah described Somto as “a bright star and the darling of her family,” praying for divine comfort for her loved ones.
A representative of Arise Television, Andy Omano, said Somto was “a great asset” to the news crew, adding: “She was with us for a short time but made her mark. Her death is painful, but we thank God we had the privilege of working with her. She lived a short but impactful life.”
The atmosphere remained somber as colleagues and friends paid their last respects to the promising journalist whose life was cut short in her prime.
