The Labour Party (LP) House of Representatives Caucus has expressed deep sadness and devastation following the tragic death of Justice Azuka.
Azuka is a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, representing Onitsha North state constituency.
Azuka was kidnapped on Christmas eve, December 24, 2024, at about 9 p.m local time in the Ugwunagbamkpa area of Inland town, Onitsha while returning home for Christmas celebration.
His decomposing body was found near the 2nd Niger Bridge in the early hours of Thursday, February 6th, 2025.
The LP House of Representatives Caucus leader, Afam Ogene of Ogbaru Federal Constituency, described the incident as “horrendous, heart-rending, and a big blow to the Labour Party and the legislature.”
In a statement, Ogene called on the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo to take decisive action to address the growing insecurity in the state.
Ogene asked rhetorically : “How do you explain this act of wickedness? How do you comfort Azuka’s young wife that her husband would no longer return home? What do you tell the children when they grow up. This is very sad. It is condemnable and government has to truly take more decisive action to prevent this kind of destruction of life and the future of many by a few individuals who are currently laying siege on the people of Anambra state.
“As I said in my earlier statement on the kidnap of the late lawmaker, the level of carnage going on in Anambra on a daily basis is heart-rending. People live in fear as a result of the growing insecurity
“The rate of bloodletting, kidnappings and other violent crimes in the state is fast turning the state into a killing field. And this is not an exaggeration. The crime that is reported in the state is just a tiny fraction of the horrendous insecurity reality in Anambra. That’s the brutal truth.
“The horrific experiences of kidnapping survivors in Anambra underscore the dire need for improved security in the state. The government’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, as well as protect their property. It is imperative that the government takes decisive action to reclaim control from criminal gangs and restore confidence among the people.
“Today, it is Hon. Justice Azuka, but no one knows whose turn it will be tomorrow. While we commend Governor Soludo’s recent efforts at tackling the situation, through the launch of the Agunachemba security outfit, more certainly, needs to be done, especially in the area of deploying technology in the fight against criminals in the state.
“For instance, how many drones does the state have in it’s crime-fighting arsenal; does the state operate a command and control centre; are the state’s vigilante services properly motivated in the battle against kidnappers and sundry criminals?
“Only two days ago, a serving local government chairman had his car riddled with bullets, in a daring kidnap attempt in Onitsha – a development which reinforces the dire need to further prioritize security,” the statement added.
The Caucus members extended heartfelt condolences to the late lawmaker’s family, especially his young wife and children, urging the government to prevent further loss of lives. Hon. Ogene emphasized the need for enhanced security measures, including the deployment of technology and adequate support for vigilante services in the fight against criminals.
Meanwhile, Voice of Nigeria Nigeria contacted the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent of Police (SP) Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the development on Thursday.
“Our men are recovering the corpse now, and I think they should be on their way bringing it here to the State Police Headquarters in Amawbia,” SP Ikenga said. “We will break the news as soon as the corpse arrives here,” he said.
When asked for details about how the body was found, the State Police Command spokesman responded, “I want my CP (Commissioner of Police) to speak on it. Just wait, he will brief the press on it.”
In light of recent events, it was noted that the legislator’s vehicle, in which he was traveling at the time of his abduction, was found several days after the incident in the well-known Upper Iweka area.
Furthermore, the traditional leader of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, also known as the Obi of Onitsha, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Azuka and the entire community of Onitsha Ado.
Confidence Okwuchi
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