The Onitsha Community of Anambra State has expressed deep sadness and outrage over the tragic death of the lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly, Honourable Justice Azuka.
The community, after a town hall meeting at Ime Obi Onitsha, said the abduction of Azuka on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, and the subsequent discovery of his dead body on February 6, 2025, have sent shock waves through the community.
They are now demanding a solution to the growing insecurity in the state, calling on the state governor to work hard to stem the tide.
The community also lamented that Azuka, a lawmaker who has shown signs of being a potential leader of the community was killed in such gruesome manner, after the death of a youth leader in the community, Kpajie ABK Offiah who was killed last year after he and the Commissioner for Youth Development, were kidnapped on their way to Abuja to the wedding of the daughter of the governor.
The statement said: “The community is still reeling from the attack on Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, his wife, and Ernest Offiah, leader of the Onitsha Youth Council (OYC), which resulted in the tragic death of Offiah on his way to Abuja.
“The recent attack on Honourable Nweze Tony Nwora, the Mayor and Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, on February 4, 2025, further emphasized the escalating insecurity in Onitsha metropolis.
“Justice Azuka’s undeniable dedication to the community and public service include his selfless service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the Onitsha Community Covid Response Team (OCCRT), 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.
“We demand answers and actions from the authorities to address the growing concerns about safety and security.”
The statement also asked salient questions on: “Why did it took 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?
“Will the authorities establish the truth without fear or favour, and ensure that those responsible for Justice Azuka’s murder are brought to book? Will the state government address the root causes of insecurity and establish a mechanism for providing emotional and material support to victims’ families?”