Police authorities in Anambra State have recovered the vehicle of Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, who was kidnapped by gunmen on Tuesday night.
The lawmaker was kidnapped by the criminal elements along Ugwunapampa Road, Inland Town, Onitsha, while returning home for the Christmas holiday.
In a statement on Thursday, the spokesman of the command, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that police operatives attached to the Inland Town Division recovered the abandoned vehicle during an ongoing rescue operation.
But Azuka’s whereabouts remain unknown as the kidnappers are yet to contact his family.
Ikenga said, “Following an intense ongoing operation, police operatives attached to the Inland Town Division have recovered the vehicle of Honourable Justice Azuka, representing Onitsha North Constituency, who was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, at 9:20 pm while returning home along Ugwunapampa Road, Onitsha.
“The abandoned vehicle was sighted at Upper Iweka Road by the rescue team. The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has charged the deployed team to intensify efforts for the possible rescue of the Honourable member. Further developments will be communicated.”
The abduction has sparked panic in Onitsha, with Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election condemning the incident.
In a post on X on Thursday, December 26, Obi warned that the ongoing insecurity plaguing Nigeria could engulf everyone if it remains unchecked.
He stated, “As I have repeatedly warned, if left unaddressed, the monster of insecurity will consume us all.
“These merchants of terror are becoming increasingly bold in their criminal acts, and if not halted, no one will be spared,” Obi cautioned.
He also expressed gratitude to officials from various security agencies who have been working tirelessly to protect lives and property across the country.
Obi urged, “We must now undertake greater efforts and sacrifices to conquer this monster of insecurity.”
He appealed to the security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of Hon Justice Azuka and to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.