The decomposing body of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, was discovered near the 2nd Niger Bridge, just days after his abduction on December 24, 2024. The lawmaker, who represented Onitsha 1 North Constituency, was kidnapped by armed gunmen while returning to his home in Inland Town, Onitsha, in a ruthless attack.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Ugwunaobankpa Road, a bustling route in Onitsha, where Azuka was seized in a lightning-fast operation. Eyewitnesses described the attack as both quick and terrifying, with the gunmen overpowering the lawmaker and his entourage in a matter of minutes. The abduction was so sudden and violent that it left little time for any response from security or locals, reflecting the growing boldness of criminal elements in the State.
Azuka, a well-respected chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), had recently regained his seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly after a court ruling nullified the 2023 election results, which had initially declared Hon. Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner. Azuka’s return to office was celebrated by his supporters, but his life was cut short by a criminal act that now casts a dark shadow over the state’s political and security landscape.
The kidnappers, who had held Azuka for days, were eventually apprehended, following a coordinated effort by security forces. After their capture, the criminals led authorities to the location where they had dumped the lawmaker’s body. His remains were found near the 2nd Niger Bridge, where the decomposing body painted a grim picture of the violence that has come to define much of the state’s recent history.
A security source close to the investigation expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the lawmaker, stating, “This is a massive loss to our state and the entire country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people of Onitsha, and the traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi Dr. Alfred Achebe. This is a devastating tragedy.”
The murder of Hon. Azuka brings to the forefront the alarming rise in criminal activity in Anambra State. The lawmaker’s abduction is not an isolated case but part of a broader trend of violence that has plagued the State in recent years.
Security experts and local residents have long warned that Anambra’s security situation is spiraling out of control. Kidnappings for ransom, armed robberies, and violent clashes between criminal groups have become tragically commonplace. The failure of local authorities to curtail these criminal acts has led many to question the ability of law enforcement to protect both citizens and public officials.
Efforts to contact the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, for an official statement have so far been unsuccessful. Attempts to reach him were met with no response as of the time of this report.
This latest act of violence sends a chilling message to political leaders and citizens alike. The tragic death of Hon. Azuka highlights the dangers facing those who serve in public office, and raises urgent questions about the state’s capacity to ensure the safety of its people. Anambra, once known for its economic vibrancy, is now increasingly defined by fear and insecurity.
The loss of Hon. Azuka is a devastating blow to the people of Onitsha and to the state at large. As the investigation into his death continues, there are growing calls for greater security measures and stronger political will to confront the criminal forces that threaten the peace and stability of Anambra State. The community mourns, but the larger question remains: how much longer can the people of Anambra endure this spiral of violence before decisive action is taken?
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