Incident Details
Unidentified assailants have kidnapped Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. The abduction occurred on Tuesday night as Azuka was heading home along Ugwunapampa Road, Inland Town, Onitsha, the commercial center of Anambra State.
Political Background
Azuka, a notable member of the Labour Party, had recently regained his position in the assembly after a court decision overturned the 2023 election result that had favored Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Post-Abduction Situation
Following the kidnapping, Azuka was taken to an unknown location, and there has been no contact from the kidnappers. The details of the incident are still murky, with a source close to the lawmaker speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Community and Police Response
The local community has expressed dismay over the incident, urging immediate action to tackle the growing security issues. The Anambra State Police, through their spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the kidnapping, stating that operational strategies are in place to secure Azuka’s release and apprehend the perpetrators.
Police Statement
Ikenga noted, “The Anambra Police Command has activated operational plans for the possible rescue and arrest of the kidnappers of Mr Justice Azuka, Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North Constituency. The report of the sad event revealed that on 24/12/2024, 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.”
Historical Context
This kidnapping recalls a similar event in 2022 when another state assembly member, Okechukwu Okoye from Aguata Constituency 1, was abducted, later beheaded, with his head found in a community within the state, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
