“My daughter’s death pierced my heart like arrow” – Father of Arise TV presenter speaks out

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The father of the late Arise TV presenter, Somtochukwu Christella, has opened up on the devastating loss of his daughter, who was killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Abuja.

In an emotional interview with PUNCH, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu reflected on the final moments leading up to the tragedy, the cherished memories they shared, and her unfulfilled dreams of serving Nigeria.

Tragic Call and Devastating Loss

Engineer Maduagwu, from Agulu in Anambra State, described how he first learned about his daughter’s death:

“Honestly, it was a tragic and devastating experience. I was at work when I received a call from my elder brother, asking me to urgently come to Port Harcourt. I was surprised and pressed him further, wondering what could be so serious that required my immediate presence,” he said.

“Barely 15 minutes earlier, I had spoken with my wife. So after my brother’s call, I decided to ring her again, since she was the last person I had spoken with. Sadly, by the time everything became clear, the worst had already happened. It is so painful because, after all her efforts, my daughter’s passion and dreams for Nigeria were cut short.”

According to the father, late Somtochukwu studied in the UK and returned to Nigeria for Law School.

Engineer Maduagwu explained that he had booked her ticket to return abroad for her master’s degree, but she wanted to work in Nigeria for at least two years:

“She insisted she wanted to work for at least two years in Nigeria to gain experience before going back, and she did exactly that. Her decision was driven by a genuine desire to make a difference. She strongly believed that the way things were going in Nigeria was wrong and that her voice needed to be heard at home. She wanted to be part of the solution, to speak up and push for the changes this country desperately needs.”

Cherished Memories and Unfulfilled Dreams

Maduagwu fondly recalled recent moments with his daughter:

“The most recent was in Tangier, Morocco, from September 4 to 9, 2025. We went to the beach together and also took a city tour on one of those double-decker buses. It was such a beautiful bonding moment, just father and daughter, sharing time and creating lasting memories.”

He shared that Somtochukwu had big aspirations: “She was passionate about helping the needy and ensuring women’s voices were heard in politics. Her biggest aspiration was to one day become a senator in Nigeria.”

Her next birthday, on December 26, was already planned. “She said she wanted to go to the village to cook for the kindred, especially the children. She did the same about four years ago when we visited the village, and she was really looking forward to doing it again. She also had a burning desire to go into politics and contribute to turning things around in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on her loss, he emotionally said: “I had Sommie on December 26, 1995. After her birth, for over five years, we didn’t have another child. So she became the handbag of the house. Everywhere we went, it was ‘Sommie, Sommie, Sommie.’ She was such a lively child. At any party, she would shine, dancing, laughing, and communicating effortlessly. She was full of life. Her death has pierced my heart like an arrow.”

Plea for Safety and Legacy

Engineer Maduagwu appealed to the government to protect citizens: “My only plea is that the government should urgently address the issues that continue to put citizens at risk and do more to safeguard lives.”

He also shared the caring gestures he will miss most: “I will miss everything. Her care, her constant calls: ‘Dad, have you eaten? Are you taking good care of yourself? Have you checked your vitals?’ It’s not easy, my brother. It’s not easy. I don’t want to cry anymore; the tears I’ve already shed are enough.”