Onitsha Traditional Council Blames Governor Soludo for Security Failures in Lawmaker’s Abduction, Killing

The Onitsha Traditional Council has blamed the Anambra State government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for its inadequate response to the abduction and killing of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North Constituency 1. The council expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragedy, stating that the government’s failure to act swiftly has worsened insecurity in Onitsha.

Hon. Azuka was abducted in Onitsha on December 24, 2024, and his body was discovered on February 6, 2025. In a statement signed by its Chief of Staff, Chief Osita Aniownu, the council condemned what it described as the state government’s delayed response and overall inaction. The statement followed a town hall meeting at Ime Obi Onitsha, where traditional leaders and community members voiced concerns over the rising wave of violence in the city.

Participants at the meeting noted that this marked the second high-profile killing of a young community leader in Onitsha in four months. They recalled the attack on Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, his wife, and Onitsha Youth Council leader Kpajie Ernest ABK Offiah, which resulted in Offiah’s death. They also referenced the February 4, 2025, attack on Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, the Mayor and Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, as further evidence of escalating insecurity.

The council questioned whether Governor Soludo’s administration still upheld its initial commitment to fixing Onitsha, which he once described as key to revitalizing Anambra and the South-East region. They also expressed disbelief over a viral video showing one of the suspected killers alongside Justice Azuka’s body, allegedly orchestrated by security agents for self-promotion. The council criticized the authorities for sensationalizing the discovery instead of focusing on crime prevention and justice.

Raising critical concerns, the council questioned why it took over 40 days to locate Azuka, why there was minimal communication with his family and the public, and whether electronic banking records could verify the alleged ransom payment. They also cast doubt on whether the arrested suspects acted alone, given inconsistencies in their profiles.

The council demanded a transparent investigation and urged the government to bring those responsible to justice without bias. They called on authorities to prioritize restoring peace and security in Onitsha and Anambra State while addressing the root causes of crime. Additionally, they stressed the need for a structured mechanism to support victims’ families both emotionally and materially.