- The council criticised authorities for what it called “sensationalism” rather than focusing on crime prevention and justice
The Onitsha Traditional Council has condemned the killing of Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha-North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, calling it a failure of governance under Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Azuka was abducted on 24 December 2024 while returning home for Christmas. His body was discovered 40 days later, on 6 February, near the Second Niger Bridge. Police have since arrested nine suspects.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council described Azuka’s murder as a reflection of worsening insecurity in Anambra. The statement followed a town hall meeting in Onitsha, where residents expressed outrage over the handling of the case and broader security concerns.
A video circulating on social media, allegedly showing one of the suspects with Azuka’s body, has further fueled anger. The council criticised authorities for what it called “sensationalism” rather than focusing on crime prevention and justice.
Azuka’s killing marks the second high-profile attack on Onitsha leaders in four months, following the assassination of youth leader Kpajie Offiah during an attack on Commissioner Patrick Mba and his wife.
The council questioned why it took 40 days to locate Azuka and criticised the lack of communication from authorities during the ordeal. Members also reminded the government of Soludo’s 2022 inaugural promise that “fixing Onitsha is the key to fixing Anambra.”
Discussion about this post