The killing of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, an anchor with Arise Television, has ignited fresh anger over worsening insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory.

Maduagwu was reportedly attacked during a robbery at her Katampe residence in the early hours of 29 September. Her death has prompted calls for urgent action from residents and civil society groups, who say the Federal Capital Territory, once regarded as the nation’s safest city, is now increasingly vulnerable to violent crime.

In a statement on Monday, the Abuja Youths Forum described the incident as a “national tragedy” and accused leaders of failing to prioritise public safety. The group argued that the killing underscored how insecurity had spread beyond remote settlements into neighbourhoods once considered secure.

“If criminals can strike in Katampe, no community in the FCT can claim to be safe,” said forum president Comrade Ayuba Danladi. He called on President Bola Tinubu to press the FCT Administration to demonstrate results on security and ensure those responsible for Maduagwu’s killing are swiftly apprehended.

The forum further warned that ongoing infrastructure projects in the capital, though necessary, would mean little if residents continued to live in fear. “Roads and bridges cannot substitute for lives lost to unchecked crime,” the group said.

Maduagwu’s death has drawn messages of condolence from colleagues, friends, and civil society organisations, who described her as a talented journalist whose career was cut short in tragic circumstances. The forum extended its sympathy to her family and the Arise News team, urging security agencies to intensify patrols and improve intelligence gathering across the capital.

Residents of Abuja have, in recent months, voiced increasing concern about incidents of armed robbery, abductions, and other violent crimes. The Abuja Youths Forum stressed that restoring confidence in the safety of the city should now be treated as a matter of urgent national priority.