PeakNews Online
ONITSHA – The decomposing body of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, was discovered at the Second Niger Bridge, Onitsha, by a joint security team following the arrest of his kidnappers.
Azuka, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1, was abducted on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunabakpa Road, Inland Town, Onitsha. The breakthrough in the case came when security operatives from Abuja arrested the suspected kidnappers, who later led investigators to the site where the lawmaker’s body was dumped.
Security Agencies Unravel the Tragic Murder
According to security sources, the operation that led to the arrest of Azuka’s killers was carried out by a combined security team from Abuja. Upon intense interrogation, the culprits confessed to the crime and took law enforcement officers to the Second Niger Bridge, where the lawmaker’s remains were recovered.
Azuka’s death marks a tragic loss for the Labour Party, which he represented in the House. He had recently reclaimed his mandate following a court ruling that overturned the 2023 election results, initially awarding victory to Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Outrage Over Rising Insecurity in Anambra
The discovery of Azuka’s remains has sparked renewed concerns over worsening insecurity in Anambra State. A community leader, Nze Martin Obi, expressed dismay over the lawmaker’s abduction and murder, calling for urgent action to curb criminal activities.
“This underscores the prevailing insecurity in Anambra State. A sitting Honourable Member was kidnapped in the center of Onitsha. The kidnappers operated freely along Awka Road, Onitsha, firing several shots in the air,” Obi lamented.
He also recalled that Azuka’s murder is the second case of a serving lawmaker being kidnapped and killed under Governor Charles Soludo’s administration. The first was Hon. Okechukwu Okoye, who was abducted and later found dead in Aguata.
“We have now lost two House of Assembly members in similar tragic circumstances. This is a huge loss to the people of Anambra,” he added.
Security Crackdown on Criminal Gangs
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, has intensified its operations against criminal elements across the state.
In a recent raid within Orumba North and South local government areas, Agunechemba operatives stormed a notorious kidnappers’ camp in Owerri-Ezukala, arresting over 30 suspects. The operation, captured in a widely circulated video, saw security forces overpower heavily armed criminals, neutralizing several and capturing many others.
Among the weapons recovered were chain guns, assault rifles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and charms.
Additionally, the security outfit conducted an early morning raid on the residence of a popular native doctor in Nza Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area. The suspect, known for preparing the feared “Okite” ritual charms, was arrested alongside several dangerous items used for ritual practices.
Call for Collective Action Against Crime
With the escalating security challenges in Anambra, community leaders and residents are calling for collaborative efforts between the government, security agencies, and local vigilante groups to combat the growing menace of kidnapping and violent crimes.
Governor Soludo’s administration has vowed to intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, urging citizens to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies in their fight against insecurity.
