Concerns over safety in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory have deepened following a string of tragic deaths involving young female professionals, many of them from the South-East, within a short period of time.
Among the victims is Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a 29-year-old lawyer and Arise News anchor, who was reportedly killed during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, in September 2025. Her death sent shockwaves through the media and legal communities, where she was widely regarded as a promising professional with a bright future.
Also mourned is Barrister Princess Nwamaka Chigbo, a former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja chapter. She was murdered while returning to the Federal Capital Territory after spending the Christmas holidays in the South-East. Details surrounding the circumstances of her death remain a source of public concern and unanswered questions.
Just days ago, tragedy struck again with the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, 25, an architect and fast-rising singer popularly known as Nanyah Music. She reportedly died two days after suffering a snake bite at her home in Lugbe, Abuja. Her passing has reignited debates around emergency response and the state of healthcare services in the capital.
Earlier in January 2026, Chinemerem Pascalina, a nurse, was allegedly killed by suspected “one chance” robbery syndicate members. She was attacked shortly after closing from her afternoon duty and heading home on January 3. The incident added to growing fears about public transportation and commuter safety in the city.
These recent losses revive painful memories of Dr. Chinelo Nwando Megafu, a 29-year-old dental surgeon and University of Port Harcourt graduate who was shot during the Kaduna–Abuja train attack four years ago. Despite her injuries, she found the strength to post a final message on social media: “I’m in the train. I have been shot. Please pray for me.” What followed, many recall, was not just national grief but also disturbing reactions marked by doubt and cruelty in some quarters.
Within just four months, at least four female professionals from the South-East have lost their lives in Abuja. The pattern has intensified public outrage over worsening insecurity and gaps in emergency and healthcare response systems in the nation’s capital.
Critics argue that rather than focusing squarely on guaranteeing security, reassuring residents, and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice, political leaders appear distracted by partisan battles. The FCT administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, has come under scrutiny, with many Nigerians questioning priorities amid the rising body count.
As fear spreads and confidence in public safety wanes, citizens continue to ask a painful question: how many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken?