Onitsha Council Blames Soludo For Lawmaker’s Murder, Insecurity

Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, is facing heavy criticism following the murder of a Labour Party lawmaker and the increasing wave of insecurity in the state.

The Onitsha Traditional Council, in a statement condemning the killing of Justice Azuka, who represented Onitsha North 1 Constituency, accused Soludo of failing in his role as the chief security officer of the state.

Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, and his decomposing body was discovered under the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025. His gruesome death has sparked widespread anger and calls for action across Anambra and the nation.

Although nine suspects have been arrested in connection with his murder, the council expressed disappointment with Soludo’s administration, particularly on its handling of security matters.

In a statement signed by the Chief of Staff of the Onitsha Traditional Council, Chief Osita Anionwu, the council described Azuka’s abduction and killing as proof of the government’s failure to deliver on its promise to protect the lives and property of residents.

The council also criticized some security agencies for sensationalizing the discovery of Azuka’s body and urged them to prioritize crime prevention over self-praise.

“Will the state government address the root causes of insecurity and establish a mechanism for providing emotional and material support to victims’ families?”

They stressed that addressing insecurity in Onitsha would significantly improve the security situation across Anambra and the Southeast. The council called on the state government to tackle the root causes of insecurity and establish mechanisms to provide emotional and material support to the families of victims.