From Moshood Karim
Afuze, Edo State — A 72-year-old businesswoman Veronica Akazuma, known for her farm produce business, was brutally murdered by unknown assailants.
Akazuma, who traveled from Auchi to purchase farm produce in Afuze, Owan East Local Government of Edo State, was lured into a deadly trap and subsequently strangled, her body buried in a shallow grave.
According to reports, Akazuma, a frequent buyer of farm produce, boarded a motorcycle to meet a farmer named Michael. However, this routine trip turned tragic when she was led into the forest, robbed, and killed.
The assailants hurriedly buried her body and fled the scene. When Akazuma failed to return home, her family reported her missing to the police in Auchi and Afuze, prompting an extensive investigation by the Cybercrime Unit of the Edo State Police Command.
The motorcycle operator, who had transported Akazuma to the farm, provided critical information to the police. He revealed that he had dropped her off with Michael, who has since gone into hiding.
Following these revelations, the police apprehended the motorcycle operator and intensified their search for Michael.
On June 26, 2024, operatives from the Edo Police Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit conducted a bush combing operation, which led to the discovery of Akazuma’s decomposing body in a shallow grave. The body was exhumed and taken to the mortuary for an autopsy and further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Funsho Adegboye, reassured the public of the police’s commitment to apprehending the culprits. “Edo State will continue to remain uncomfortable for hoodlums to operate,” Adegboye stated.
“I want to assure the public that the perpetrators can only run for a short period. They cannot escape. We are on their trail and getting very close. The Inspector General of Police has given us a marching order to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
As the search for Michael continues, the police have urged anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation. The community remains in shock, mourning the loss of a beloved businesswoman whose life was tragically cut short.
