The decomposing body of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly who was reported missing for over a month, has been found near the 2nd Niger Bridge. The body was discovered on Thursday morning, shocking both the state’s political landscape and its residents. Azuka had been missing since December 24, 2024, when he was abducted by gunmen, and his disappearance had sparked intense fear and anxiety among his family, colleagues, and constituents.
The tragic discovery of the lawmaker’s remains was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer of Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. In a brief text message to DAILY POST, Ikenga confirmed that security operatives were on the ground at the scene of the discovery, and added that more information would be provided as the investigation continued.
The lawmaker, who represented the Onitsha I North constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, was reportedly kidnapped while returning home from his official duties on Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha. The circumstances surrounding his abduction had been clouded in mystery, as he was reportedly snatched by armed gunmen in what appeared to be a well-coordinated attack. The kidnapping of the lawmaker immediately drew the attention of security forces, political leaders, and residents, all of whom expressed concerns over the rising incidence of violent crime in the region.
Despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to locate the lawmaker, his whereabouts remained unknown for several weeks. Various reports suggested that his captors had made demands for ransom, but details about these communications were not made public. The lawmaker’s abduction further highlighted the alarming trend of kidnapping for ransom, which has been on the rise in Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern part of the country. In recent years, the Anambra region, like other parts of the southeast, has seen an increase in such criminal activities, with both prominent and ordinary citizens becoming victims of abductions.
The discovery of Hon. Azuka’s decomposing body raises serious questions about the motive behind his kidnapping and the events leading up to his death. While the police have not yet made an official statement on the cause of death, the condition of the body suggests that it had been lying in the area for some time, with no immediate attempts made to identify the remains. The authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of death and to uncover the identity of those responsible for the kidnapping and subsequent death of the lawmaker.
As news of the discovery broke, reactions from political figures and citizens alike poured in, condemning the act of violence and offering condolences to the family and colleagues of Hon. Azuka. The state government, as well as members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, expressed their shock and sadness at the untimely demise of their colleague. The lawmaker’s tragic end has raised broader concerns about the safety of public officials and the general security situation in the state.
In a statement, the Anambra State House of Assembly expressed its condolences to the family of Hon. Azuka, stating that his death was a great loss to the state. The Assembly also vowed to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for his death are apprehended and brought to justice.
This incident has drawn attention to the worsening security situation in the southeastern part of Nigeria. In recent years, kidnapping and violent crime have become major concerns for citizens and government officials alike. Many residents have called for increased efforts to tackle the problem, urging both the state and federal governments to take more aggressive action to curtail the rising wave of insecurity in the region.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the lawmaker’s death continues, Anambra State residents are left to grapple with the reality of yet another high-profile crime. The family of Hon. Azuka, meanwhile, is in mourning, as they await further details about the investigation and seek justice for their loved one.
Authorities have pledged to intensify their efforts to bring those behind this senseless act to justice and ensure that such violence does not become commonplace in the region. The body of the lawmaker has been taken to the mortuary for further examination as the police continue to gather evidence and carry out their investigations.
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