The body of Justice Azuka, the representative for Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, was discovered along the Second Niger Bridge, marking a tragic end to the search for the kidnapped lawmaker.
Azuka’s remains, already showing signs of decomposition, were found by a joint team of security operatives early Thursday morning. This grim discovery occurred 44 days after his kidnapping on December 24, 2024, while returning home for Christmas along the Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha.
The lawmaker, affiliated with the Labour Party, had recently regained his seat following a court ruling that invalidated the previous election result in favor of Douglas Egbuna from the Peoples Democratic Party. Eyewitness accounts revealed that Azuka was abducted at gunpoint in a swift operation that lasted less than five minutes.
The unsettling news of his death has sent shockwaves throughout Onitsha, with residents expressing deep concern regarding the security situation in the region. This incident marks the second time in less than three years that a sitting lawmaker in Anambra State has been kidnapped and murdered.
In May 2022, Okechukwu Okoye, representing Aguata 2 Constituency in the state assembly, was also abducted and subsequently killed by gunmen shortly after Prof. Chukwuma Soludo took office as governor. Okoye was found deceased six days after his kidnapping alongside his aide.
A police source disclosed that the suspects responsible for Azuka’s abduction led security teams to the location where his body was discovered and were subsequently arrested. These culprits were reported to have been apprehended in the early hours of Thursday, following intelligence operations initiated after Azuka’s kidnapping.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the discovery of the body, noting that it was found during a routine patrol by joint security teams. The ongoing investigation aims to apprehend all individuals involved in the case.
In response to the tragedy, the Labour Party caucus expressed profound sorrow over Azuka’s death. Afam Ogene, the caucus leader and representative for Ogbaru Federal Constituency, described the incident as a devastating loss for the Labour Party and made a call to action for increased measures to combat the rising tide of insecurity in Anambra State.
He extended heartfelt condolences to Azuka’s family, particularly his young wife and children, who are now mourning this horrific loss.
