The Anambra State Police Command has announced the recovery of the vehicle belonging to Justice Azuka, the kidnapped member representing Onitsha North Constituency in the state House of Assembly. Azuka was abducted on Tuesday night while traveling home along Ugwunapampa Road in Onitsha, just before the Christmas celebrations.
In a statement released on Thursday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesman, confirmed that the vehicle was found abandoned on Upper Iweka Road during ongoing operations by police operatives from the Inland Town Division. Despite the recovery of the vehicle, Azuka’s whereabouts remain unknown, and the kidnappers have not yet contacted his family.
Ikenga detailed that the rescue team discovered the vehicle during their intensified efforts to locate the missing lawmaker. Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam has urged the rescue teams to continue their operations to secure Azuka’s release.
The incident has sparked panic among residents of Onitsha, who are concerned about the rising frequency of kidnappings in the area, especially in light of the numerous security checkpoints established along local roads. An eyewitness, identified only as Somto, recounted how the gunmen trailed Azuka’s vehicle, double-crossed it, and then fled with the lawmaker in their car.
Residents are questioning the effectiveness of the checkpoints, expressing frustration that they seem inadequate for ensuring public safety. This incident is not an isolated case; previous kidnappings of lawmakers in the state have raised alarms about security in the region. Notably, in 2022, Okechukwu Okoye, a lawmaker from Aguata Constituency 1, was abducted and later found beheaded.
The situation continues to evolve, and further updates from the police are expected as they intensify their search for Justice Azuka.
