The remains of Honorable Justice Azuka, member of Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency, was found near Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.
According to the Punch, security operatives stumbled on the grim find during a routine patrol, ending weeks of suspense since his abduction on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.
A Shocking Abduction
He was abducted at gunpoint along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town while returning home for the holidays.
Eyewitnesses said the operation was swift and well coordinated and lasted less than 5 minutes.
His abduction sent panic waves across the state especially since he is a leader of Labour Party.
Anambra police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the recovery of Azuka’s decomposing body.
In a statement, Ikenga said a joint team of police and Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) operatives found the scene during a rescue mission.
He assured the public that investigation is ongoing and efforts are being intensified to arrest the perpetrators.
Political Journey Cut Short
Azuka’s political career was marked with resilience. After the 2023 election, he reclaimed his seat through a court judgment that upturned the initial victory of Douglas Egbuna of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His legal victory earned him the reputation as a champion of electoral justice and he was loved by his constituents.
Unfortunately, his untimely death is a clear indication of the insecurity in Nigeria’s South East.
While kidnappings for ransom is common, this is one of the most notorious due to Azuka’s political profile and the brazenness of the operation.
For Nigerian readers, this is a rude shock to the system. Public Officials and citizens alike. Security experts advise to use alternative routes, avoid predictable schedule and maintain close contact with security agencies when moving through high risk areas.
Community leaders also stress the need for vigilance.
“Collaboration between residents and security forces is key,” says Emeka Nwosu, a Lagos based security consultant.
“Timely reporting of suspicious activities can prevent such incident.”
As Anambra mourns, questions are pouring in on why Azuka was killed. Was it political, an act of violence or linked to a bigger criminal network?
No information has been released yet but the incident has once again brought to the fore the need for more security infrastructure around major transit points like the Second Niger Bridge.
For now, Azuka’s family, colleagues and constituents wait for answers and justice. His legacy as a champion of democratic integrity lives on even as his life ends in sorrow.
Source: FreshNees.NG