The festive season in Anambra State turned grim on Christmas Eve as gunmen abducted a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Justice Azuka, in what analysts describe as a troubling signal of growing insecurity in the region.
Azuka, who represents Onitsha North Constituency, was seized around 9:20 pm on Ugwunapampa Road in Onitsha while returning home, creating fears among residents already grappling with concerns over safety.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Anambra Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident and assured the public that tactical operations were underway to secure Azuka’s release and apprehend the kidnappers.
Ikenga emphasized that the police are working with local intelligence to track the perpetrators and urged the public to provide credible information that could aid investigations.
The abduction of a sitting lawmaker adds to a series of recent incidents involving kidnappings and attacks in the South-East region, heightening anxieties over the safety of citizens and public officials alike.
Community leaders and security experts have called for urgent intervention, including improved surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to counter the rising tide of abductions.
Residents of Onitsha and surrounding areas have expressed anger and frustration over the incident, demanding that security agencies intensify patrols and crack down on criminal networks.
Meanwhile, colleagues of the abducted lawmaker have called for calm, urging citizens to cooperate with authorities to ensure Azuka’s safe return.
As the police continue their investigations, questions remain about the effectiveness of current security measures in protecting lives and property in the region, especially during the holiday season.