The Onitsha Traditional Council has vehemently denounced the killing of Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha-North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, describing the tragic incident as a glaring sign of the state’s faltering security measures under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s leadership.
Justice Azuka was abducted on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha, while he was returning home for Christmas. His lifeless body was later discovered by security operatives at the Second Niger Bridge in the early hours of Thursday, February 6, 2025—40 days after his disappearance. The state police command has since arrested nine suspects in connection with his murder.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, Chief of Staff of the Onitsha Traditional Council (Imeobi), the council castigated the incident as evidence of the government’s inability to guarantee the safety of its citizens. The statement, released after a town hall meeting held on Monday at Imeobi where community members expressed deep concerns over escalating insecurity, laid bare the council’s frustrations.
“The town hall gathering was 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.
The council also pointed out that Azuka’s murder marks the second high-profile killing of promising young leaders from Onitsha within a span of four months. It recalled the recent assault on Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Mba, and his wife—a violent episode that claimed the life of Onitsha Youth Council leader, Kpajie Offiah. Community members have questioned why it took over 40 days for the authorities to locate Justice Azuka and criticized the lack of clear communication with both the public and his bereaved family throughout the ordeal.
At the town hall, participants reminded the administration of Governor Soludo’s inaugural speech in March 2022, where he declared that “fixing Onitsha is the key to fixing Anambra State, which in turn is the key to fixing the South-East.” They now wonder if that commitment still holds, given the worsening security situation in Onitsha—the state’s economic hub and revenue base.
The council also celebrated Azuka’s dedication to public service, citing his active role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the Onitsha Community COVID Response Team, his efforts in rehabilitating stroke survivors, and his unwavering commitment as a legislator to his constituents.
In its call for accountability, the council demanded a transparent investigation into the murder, particularly questioning the alleged ransom payment. The communique stated, “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.”
Furthermore, the Onitsha community has urged the authorities to uncover the truth “without fear or favour” and to ensure that those responsible for Justice Azuka’s murder are brought to justice. The statement pressed, “How can the community work together to restore peace and security to Onitsha and Anambra State?
“Will the state government address the root causes of insecurity and establish a mechanism for providing emotional and material support to victims’ families?”
The council concluded by urging residents to unite in honoring Justice Azuka at his funeral scheduled for Saturday, February 15, adding, “May his legacy inspire us to work towards a safer and more secure Onitsha.”
