It was weeping and wailing in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday, as family members, friends, colleagues and dignitaries gathered for the burial of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie.
The officiating minister and parish priest of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Rev Fr Peter Ezewuzie, urged the bereaved family to find comfort in the fact that Sommie lived a meaningful life, even if her time on earth was short.
“The Lord who created us knows the beginning from the end. We may feel her life was cut short, but we cannot see what God sees.
“The maturity of life is not in its length but in its quality — and Sommie lived a quality life,” he said.
The late broadcaster was laid to rest at her father’s compound shortly after the Mass around 1:30 pm, in an atmosphere of deep sorrow.
Many mourners wept openly as her casket was lowered into the grave.
The late broadcaster died in September during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Abuja.
Reports said the assailants invaded her home at night and, in the course of the attack, she jumped down from her apartment and sustained serious injuries.
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She was later rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the elder brother to the deceased’s father, Mr Obi Maduagwu, expressed gratitude to Arise News for standing by the family since the tragedy.
“We thank the management of Arise News. They have been with us from the beginning. We also thank everyone who journeyed from far and near to console us,” he said.
Sommie’s sudden death had sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s media community, where she was admired as one of the promising young faces of television journalism.
Tributes have since poured in from colleagues, friends and prominent Nigerians, who described her as intelligent, hardworking and full of life.
The burial brought together journalists, government officials, and community members who paid their last respects to the bright star whose light was cruelly extinguished.
Among the dignitaries who attended the burial was former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, who hails from same Agulu community as the late broadcaster.
Speaking after the funeral Mass at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu, Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, described Sommie’s death as heartbreaking.
He said: “We cannot question God. When I heard of her death, I didn’t even know she was from Agulu before I tweeted about it.
“Before leaving Birmingham yesterday, I told those around me that I was rushing home for the burial of one of my daughters.
“Her loss is deeply painful, but we must accept the will of God and continue to remember her and her family in our prayers.”