Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North Constituency, has been abducted by unidentified assailants. The incident occurred on Tuesday night, December 24, 2024, while Azuka was returning home along Ugwunapampa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha.
Circumstances of the Abduction
Azuka, a chieftain of the Labour Party, recently regained his mandate after a court ruling overturned the election of Peoples Democratic Party candidate Douglas Egbuna. Witnesses reported that the lawmaker was forcefully taken to an unknown location, and his whereabouts remain undisclosed.
A close associate of Azuka, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the kidnappers had yet to contact the family, leaving them in anguish and uncertainty.
Police Response and Investigation
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that efforts are underway to rescue the abducted lawmaker and apprehend the perpetrators.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the command, stated, “The Anambra Police Command has activated operational plans for the possible rescue and arrest of the kidnappers of Mr. Justice Azuka, House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North Constituency.
“The report of the sad event revealed that on December 24, 2024, at 9:20 pm, while returning home on Ugwunapampa Road, he was abducted by unidentified persons. The command is already working on some clues for the possible rescue and arrest of the kidnappers. Further developments will be communicated.”
A Pattern of Security Concerns
This is not the first time lawmakers in Anambra State have been targeted. In 2022, Okechukwu Okoye, the lawmaker representing Aguata Constituency 1, was abducted and gruesomely murdered. Okoye’s beheaded remains were later discovered in a community in the state, sending shockwaves across the region.
The recurrence of such high-profile abductions highlights ongoing security challenges in the state, particularly concerning the safety of public officials.
Community Reactions and Calls for Action
The abduction of Azuka has elicited widespread concern among residents and stakeholders. Community members have called on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to address insecurity and prevent further incidents.
Azuka’s colleagues in the State House of Assembly and political allies have expressed solidarity with his family, urging the authorities to act swiftly to secure his release.
A Dangerous Trend
The targeting of lawmakers and public figures raises questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures in the state. Advocacy groups and experts have emphasized the need for improved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community policing to curb the rising spate of violent crimes.
Next Steps
As investigations continue, the focus remains on the safe recovery of Justice Azuka and the apprehension of those responsible for his abduction. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the security challenges facing Anambra State and underscores the urgency of implementing effective strategies to protect citizens and public officials alike.
