Onitsha, February 6, 2025 – The lifeless body of Justice Azuka, the member representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, has been discovered by security operatives near the Second Niger Bridge, weeks after his abduction.

Azuka, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha, while returning home for the Christmas holidays. Reports indicate that the abduction happened swiftly at gunpoint and lasted less than five minutes.

Security Operatives Confirm Discovery

The Anambra State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the tragic development on Thursday, February 6.

“In the early hours of today, at the Second Niger Bridge, the Joint Security Team comprising Police and AVG (Anambra Vigilante Group) Operatives on a mission to rescue abducted Hon. Azuka regrettably found his lifeless body at the scene,” Ikenga said.

The decomposing corpse was discovered during a routine patrol by security forces.

“The joint security team has taken over the scene, and operations are ongoing for the possible arrest of the suspects involved,” Ikenga added, promising further updates as investigations progress.

A Politically Charged Death

Justice Azuka reclaimed his seat in the State Assembly after a court ruling nullified the election victory of Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was initially declared the winner of the 2023 election. His return to office had sparked political tensions, with some attributing his abduction to growing instability in the state.

Rising Insecurity in Anambra

Azuka’s abduction and murder have raised fresh concerns about rising insecurity in Anambra State, where kidnappings and politically motivated attacks have become more frequent.

Local authorities have vowed to apprehend those responsible for the lawmaker’s killing, while political leaders have called for urgent security reforms to protect public officials and citizens.

What’s Next?

• Autopsy and Investigation: Authorities will conduct forensic examinations to determine the exact cause and time of death.
• Manhunt for the Killers: Security forces are intensifying operations to track down those behind the abduction and murder.
• Political Fallout: The killing of an elected lawmaker is expected to trigger political and security debates within the state and beyond.

As the Anambra government and security agencies intensify investigations, the murder of Justice Azuka serves as a grim reminder of the worsening security situation in parts of Nigeria.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates.