Gunmen Abduct Anambra Lawmaker on Christmas Eve

Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North Constituency, was abducted by gunmen on Christmas Eve. The incident occurred along Ugwunapampa Road in Onitsha as the lawmaker was returning home to celebrate the holiday.

Azuka, a member of the Labour Party (LP), recently had his election affirmed by an appeal court in November 2023, which removed a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker who was initially declared the winner.

The Anambra State Police Command has launched efforts to secure Azuka’s release. Police spokesperson Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed the abduction and said operational plans have been activated. “The report of the incident indicates that on December 24, 2024, at about 9:20 pm, while returning home along Ugwunapampa Road, he was abducted by unidentified persons,” Tochukwu stated. “The command is working on leads to ensure his rescue and the arrest of those responsible. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”

Kidnapping incidents targeting lawmakers are not new to Anambra State. In May 2022, Okechukwu Okoye, a lawmaker representing Aguata II Constituency, was abducted and later killed. His headless body was discovered days after his abduction, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the state.