• Soludo, Peter Obi, Others in Attendance

• Safiu Kehinde

Anambra was, on Saturday, in a state of grief as remains of murdered lawmaker, Justice Azuka, was laid to rest.

NPO reported that the late lawmaker’s decomposing body was found along the 2nd Niger bridge almost two months after his kidnap.

Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North Constituency 1, was reportedly abducted on the 24th of December 2024 on his home for the festive celebration.

While his abductors have been confirmed arrested, remains of the 40-year-old lawmaker was buried yesterday at Onitsha following a funeral mass which had in attendance the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo and 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Also present at the event was the 2023 Lagos governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

Meanwhile, as against claims of ransom payment to the abductors of the late lawmaker, the governor Soludo stated that no payment were made.

According to a post on X, the governor, while addressing the congregation at the funeral mass, held that Azuka’s accounts were blocked while the perpetrators have been arrested and will face justice.

Confirming his presence at the funeral in a post on his X handle, Peter Obi stated that Azuka’s tragic death is a reminder of the growing insecurity in Nigeria.

The former Anambra governor condemned the gruesome murder of the lawmaker while extending condolences to the family and the state.

“His tragic death is a painful reminder of the growing insecurity in our country today, and a call to Government at all levels to take security more seriously.

“One does not need to remind the government at any level that security is their primary duty to the people.

“It’s tormenting as a father and a political leader to watch a promising young man wasted in such a brutal manner.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, Onitsha town, and the entire people of Anambra State.

“My thoughts and prayers are especially with his young children, who have been cruelly deprived of a father’s love and guidance.

“May God, in His infinite mercy, comfort them and give them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.

“I also pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May God grant him eternal rest and bring justice to those responsible for this heinous act.” Obi wrote.

Similarly, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, in a separate post on his X handle on Saturday, sympathized with the family of the late Azuka.

“Earlier today, I was in Onitsha to pay my condolences and sympathies as we laid Hon Justice Azuka to rest.

“At the young age of 40, the representative of Onitsha North was kidnapped on December 24, 2024 and later slain by hus abductors. May his soul rest in perfect peace.” He wrote.