The Onitsha Traditional Council has blamed the abduction and killing of Hon. Justice Azuka, the member of the Anambra State House of Assembly who was abducted in Onitsha on December 24, 2024, on Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led state government’s inadequacy, delayed response and other inactions.
The council also expressed deep sadness and outrage over the tragic death of Justice Azuka, who was a member representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly.
In a statement signed by its Chief of Staff, Chief Osita Aniownu, the Council said that Azuka’s abduction on December 24, 2024, and the subsequent discovery of his dead body on February 6, 2025, have sent shockwaves through the Onitsha community.
The Council issued the statement after a town hall meeting held on Monday at Ime Obi Onitsha.
The participants at the meeting noted “This senseless murder marks the second high-profile killing of a young, aspiring community leader in Onitsha within the past four months.”
The statement added, “The community is still reeling from the attack on Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, his wife, and Kpajie Ernest ABK Offiah, Esq, leader of the Onitsha Youth Council (OYC), which resulted in the tragic death of Kpajie Offiah.”
According to them, “The recent attack on Honourable Nweze Tony Nwora, Mayor and Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, further emphasizes the escalating insecurity in the Onitsha metropolis.”
They demanded answers and action from the authorities to address the growing concerns about safety and security in the state.
They recalled that Governor Soludo’s declaration at his inauguration that fixing Onitsha was the key to fixing Anambra State which, in turn was the key to fixing the South-East States and wondered if that remains the mantra of the administration in the face of the present circumstances of the metropolis which is the IGR cash cow of the State.
They said they were shocked beyond belief at the circulation of a disturbing video on social media featuring one of the suspected killers with the body of Justice Azuka in the background, which appears to be orchestrated by security agents for self-praise.
According to them, “Instead of sensationalizing the discovery of the dead body, the authorities should focus on preventing such heinous crimes and ensuring justice is served.”
The stressed that key questions and concerns include, “Adequacy and Speed of Response: Why did it take over 40 days to locate Hon. Azuka, and was the government’s response adequate?
“Lack of Communication: Why was there a lack of communication from the authorities to the public and the family of the deceased?
“Ransom payment controversy: An electronic movement of the alleged large sum of money ought to be traceable through the banking system.
“The images of the alleged abductors do not reflect persons handling large sums of money thus raising the question of possible other accomplices.
“Investigation and Justice: Will the authorities establish the truth without fear or favour, and ensure that those responsible for Justice Azuka’s murder are brought to book?
“Restoring Peace and Security: How can the community work together to restore peace and security to Onitsha and Anambra State?
“Addressing Root Causes: Will the state government address the root causes of insecurity and establish a mechanism for providing emotional and material support to victims’ families?”
