Authorities in Anambra State have recovered the vehicle belonging to Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly who was abducted on Christmas Eve.

Azuka, who represents Onitsha North State Constituency 1, was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on his way to his hometown for Christmas celebrations.

According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, a focused rescue operation has been underway since the incident.

“The vehicle was recovered during an intense operation conducted by Police Operatives attached to the Inland Town Division,” Ikenga explained. “A separate rescue team discovered the abandoned vehicle along Upper Iweka Road. The Commissioner of Police has directed the team to intensify their efforts to secure the legislator’s release.”

Azuka was reportedly taken around 9 p.m. on Tuesday in the Ugwunabamkpa area of Onitsha.

At the time of this report, it remains unclear whether the kidnappers have contacted the family regarding a ransom demand.

The Police Command has confirmed that the death toll from the tragic stampede in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, which occurred on Saturday, December 21, has risen to 22.The incident took place during a rice distribution event organized by the Obijackson Foundation at Amaranta Stadium.In a statement issued on Sunday, December 22, Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Command’s spokesperson in the state, said that several injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment.

He further disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the hospital where the injured are being treated.”The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the hospital where the victims of the stampede in Okija are undergoing treatment. Sadly, he confirmed that 22 people lost their lives,” Ikenga stated.

He continued, “The CP extends his condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, investigations into the unfortunate incident are ongoing.”The ICIR reported that the Okija stampede is part of a disturbing series of deadly stampedes in recent days, raising concerns about inadequate safety measures at public events.

This is the second major stampede within a week. Hours after the Okija incident, another stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, claimed the lives of 10 people and injured four others during the distribution of Christmas packages to underprivileged residents. Eyewitnesses attributed the tragedy to poor crowd control and the delayed arrival of law enforcement.

Reports indicate that over one million Nigerians were unable to attend the funeral of the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, which concluded on Sunday, November 24, 2024, with a thanksgiving service at St. Peter Claver’s Church, Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State.

The inability of many to participate in the event was reportedly linked to false information and unverified news that created apprehension. This coincided with a heightened presence of security personnel in Nnewi and other areas of Anambra during and after the funeral.

Sources revealed that notable individuals from regions such as the North, the Niger Delta, Kwara State, Maiduguri, Kano, Lagos, Abuja, and Kafanchan, among others, were absent due to misinformation regarding security. Social media platforms were said to have circulated fake reports alleging attacks in Nnewi, which deterred some prominent personalities from attending.

It was also gathered that, as of press time, several dignitaries were yet to visit the late Senator’s family to pay their respects, as tradition demands. These included the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Abdulahi Ganduje, Senator Ali Ndume, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Bianca Ojukwu, Andy Uba, and other prominent figures.

Speaking to journalists at Senator Ubah’s residence in Nnewi on Sunday, Prince Emeka Kamen, a community leader, described the late Senator as a philanthropist who made significant contributions to society, including building schools in Lagos, establishing a legacy at Yaba College of Technology, constructing a stadium, and offering scholarships. Kamen expressed regret that many of the Senator’s friends stayed away due to fear but emphasized that the area was secure.

“Senator Ubah was a beloved philanthropist who impacted many lives positively. His friends did not attend because of fear.

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