Condemning the Brutal Killing of Honourable Justice Azuka: OzoEmezina!

Onitsha, Anambra State: The Onitsha community has expressed deep sadness and outrage over the tragic death of Honourable Justice Azuka, a resolute lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly. His abduction on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, and the subsequent discovery of his dead body on February 6, 2025, have sent shockwaves through the community. The condemnation was made at a town hall meeting held on Monday, January 10, 2025, at Ime Obi Onitsha.

The 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. 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 Offiah, esq, leader of the Onitsha Youth Council (OYC), which resulted in the tragic death of Kpajie Offiah. They observed that the recent attack on Honourable Nweze Tony Nwora, Mayor and Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, further emphasizes the escalating insecurity in Onitsha metropolis. The community demands answers and action from the authorities to address the growing concerns about safety and security.

Participants at the townhall 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 South East 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.

They recalled Justice Azuka’s undeniable dedication to the community and public service. 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 palliative, 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.

Key Questions and Concerns:
1. Adequacy and Speed of Response: Why did it take over 40 days to locate Hon. Azuka, and was the government’s response adequate?
2. Lack of Communication: Why was there a lack of communication from the authorities to the public and the family of the deceased?
3. Ransom payment controversy: An electronic movement of the alleged large sum of money ought to be traceable through the banking system.
4. The images of the alleged abductors do not reflect persons handling large sums of money, thus raising the question of possible other accomplices.
5. Investigation and Justice: Will the authorities establish the truth without fear or favour, and ensure that those responsible for Justice Azuka’s murder are brought to book?
6. Restoring Peace and Security: How can the community work together to restore peace and security to Onitsha and Anambra State?
7. Addressing Root Causes: Will the state government address the root causes of insecurity and establish a mechanism for providing emotional and material support to victims’ families?

The Onitsha community urges everyone to come together to pay their respects to Hon. Azuka at his funeral on Saturday, February 15. May his legacy inspire us to work towards a safer and more secure Onitsha. Ozo

Emezina!
Chief Osita Anionwu,
Ike Akatakwuani/ Chief of Staff