Victor EzejaThe Onitsha Traditional Council (Imeobi) has decried the spate of insecurity in the town in recent times and called for a drastic measure to restore peace and stability.
The Council said news of the gruesome killing of Justice Azuka, a lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency I in the Anambra State House of Assembly, came as a rude shock to the Onitsha community.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAzuka was kidnapped on 24 December, 2024 while returning home for the Christmas holiday. On 6 February, his body was found at the second Niger bridge by a joint team of security operatives who equally arrested some of the suspected criminals behind his murder.
A statement signed by the Imeobi Chief of Staff, Chief Osita Anionwu, said the community members during a town hall meeting held on Monday, 10 February, 2025, noted that the senseless murder of Azuka marks the second high-profile killing of a young, aspiring community leader in Onitsha within the past four months. “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 Ofiah, Esq, leader of the Onitsha Youth Council (0YC), which resulted in the tragic death of Kpajie Offiah,” the statement added.
They observed that the recent attack on Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, further reflects the escalating insecurity in the Onitsha metropolis.
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The Community reminded Governor Soludo of the promise he made that his administration would fix Onitsha with the understanding that it is key to fixing Anambra State which, in turn, was the key to fixing Southeast 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.”
The Imeobi council recalled Justice Azuka’s dedication to the community and public service which included his selfless service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the Onitsha Community Covid Response Team (OCCRT), where he led the management and distribution of palliatives; his role as a co-founder and active volunteer of the NGO, Stroke Action, Life After Stroke Centre in the community for the rehabilitation of stroke survivors; in addition to his diligence and devotion as a legislator who was very close to his constituency.
The council said that instead of sensationalising the discovery of the Azuka’s body, the authorities should focus on preventing such heinous crimes and ensuring justice is served.
The council raised some concerns about the handling of the matter. It queried why it took over 40 days to locate Hon. Azuka, stating that the government’s response was not adequate.
The body also said there was a lack of communication from the authorities to the public and the family of the deceased.
Ransom payment controversy
The council observed that the electronic movement of the alleged large sum of money (N100 million) ought to be traceable through the banking system.
The Onitsha Traditional Council also raised questions about images of the alleged abductors, stating that they do not reflect persons handling large sums of money, “thus raising the questions of possible other accomplices.”
They called on the authorities to carry out thorough investigations into the incident to establish the truth without fear or favour, and ensure that those responsible for Justice Azuka’s murder are brought to book.
They also urged the state government to address the root causes of insecurity and establish a mechanism for providing emotional and material support to victims’ families.
Justice Azuka’s funeral has been scheduled for 15 February, 2025.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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