1 week ago
28
A group, the Onitsha Traditional Council, Tuesday, expressed deep sadness and outrage over the tragic death of Justice Azuka, a lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The group also expressed displeasure at the sensational public display of his corpse in the background with the alleged killers.
Azuka was reportedly kidnapped on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha, while returning home for Christmas.
The group, in a statement signed by Chief Osita Anionwu, Ike Akatakwuani/ Chief of Staff and made available to Daily Independent lamented the gruesome killing of Justice Azuka, saying the development has sent shockwaves through the Onitsha community.
In the condemnation during a hall meeting held on Monday, January 10, 2025, at Ime Obi Onitsha, participants noted that this senseless murder marks the second high-profile killing of a young, aspiring community leader in Onitsha within the past four months.
Chief Osita Anionwu stated that the community is still in grief from the attack on Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, the 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 the group, the recent attack on Honourable Nweze Tony Nwora, Mayor and Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, further confirmed the escalating insecurity in the Onitsha metropolis.
The community demands answers and action from the authorities to address the growing concerns about safety and security.
Participants at the town hall meeting recalled 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 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 statement recalled Justice Azuka’s undeniable dedication to the community and public service.
The statement added, “These include 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 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.
“It was noted that instead of sensationalizing the discovery of the dead body, the authorities should focus on preventing such heinous crimes and ensuring justice is served.”
The group, in the statement, queried, “Why did it take over 40 days to locate Hon. Azuka, and was the government’s response adequate?
“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.”
The statement called on the authorities concerned to establish the truth without fear or favour, and ensure that those responsible for Justice Azuka’s murder are brought to book and appealed for communal Collaboration to restore
peace and security to Onitsha and Anambra State.
The Onitsha community called out members of the community to honour the deceased at the funeral service on Saturday, February 15.
English (US) ·