The Onitsha Conventional Council has condemned the killing of the member representing Onitsha-North 1 Constituency within the Anambra Atmosphere Area of Meeting, Justice Azuka.
The council additionally expresses misery and sadness over the circumstance of safety below Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s management.
Azuka used to be abducted on December 24, 2024, alongside Ugwunaobankpa Highway in Inland The city, Onitsha, date returning house for Christmas.
His dead frame used to be came upon by way of safety operatives on the 2nd Niger Bridge within the early hours of Thursday, February 6, 2025—40 days upcoming his snatch.
PUNCH On-line had reported 4 days in the past that the circumstance police command stated it had arrested 9 suspects in connection to the dying of the lawmaker.
In a remark issued on Tuesday and signed by way of the Leading of Body of workers of the Onitsha Conventional Council (Imeobi), Leading Osita Anionwu, the council described the kidnapping and homicide of Azuka as proof of the circumstance executive’s failure to satisfy its commitment of making sure the safety of citizens.
The remark used to be excused following a the town corridor assembly hung on Monday at Imeobi, Onitsha, the place contributors of the society voiced their considerations over the rising lack of confidence within the circumstance.
“Town corridor collecting used to be stunned past trust on the flow of a irritating video on social media that includes one of the most suspected killers with the frame of Justice Azuka within the background, which seems to be orchestrated by way of safety brokers for puff up.
“It was noted that instead of sensationalising the discovery of the dead body, the authorities should focus on preventing such heinous crimes and ensuring justice is served,” the remark learn partly.
The council expressed fear that Azuka’s homicide used to be the second one high-profile killing of younger, progressive leaders from Onitsha inside 4 months.
It recalled the hot assault on Anambra Atmosphere Commissioner for Early life Construction, Patrick Mba, and his spouse, which resulted within the dying of Onitsha Early life Council chief, Kpajie Offiah.
The society puzzled the federal government’s dealing with of Azuka’s case, asking why it took over 40 days to find him and whether or not the reaction from safety businesses used to be enough.
Council contributors additionally raised considerations concerning the rarity of communique from the government to the folk and Azuka’s crowd right through the ordeal.
Individuals on the the town corridor assembly reminded the management of Soludo’s inaugural pronunciation in March 2022, the place he declared that “fixing Onitsha is the key to fixing Anambra State, which in turn is the key to fixing the South-East.”
They puzzled whether or not that constancy nonetheless held, given the deteriorating safety status in Onitsha, which extra the commercial hub and income bottom of the circumstance.
The council additionally highlighted Azuka’s willpower to folk provider, recalling his position all through the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the Onitsha Society COVID Reaction Staff, his efforts in rehabilitating stroke survivors, and his constancy as a legislator to his constituents.
They additional demanded a clear investigation, elevating considerations over the alleged ransom fee.
The verbal exchange learn, “An digital motion of the alleged massive amount of cash should be traceable during the banking gadget.
“The images of the alleged abductors do not reflect persons handling large sums of money, thus raising the question of possible other accomplices.”
The Onitsha society referred to as at the government to ascertain the reality “without fear or favour” and to safeguard that the ones chargeable for Azuka’s homicide are dropped at justice.
The remark added, “How can the society paintings in combination to revive holiday and safety to Onitsha and Anambra Atmosphere?
“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 suggested citizens to come back in combination to proclaim Azuka at his funeral on Saturday, February 15, including, “May his legacy inspire us to work towards a safer and more secure Onitsha.”