Traditional council calls for urgent action against insecurity in Anambra

The Onitsha Traditional Council has condemned the killing of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra state house of assembly.

On February 6, the lifeless body of Azuka was found on the Second Niger Bridge, after being held captive by his abductors for more than one month.

The lawmaker, who represented the Onitsha north constituency, was attacked and abducted on Christmas eve while travelling home for the festive season.

Osita Anionwu, the council’s chief of staff, in a statement issued on Monday, called for urgent action from the authorities to address the growing insecurity in the 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,” the statement reads.

“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.

“The recent attack on Honourable Nweze Tony Nwora, the mayor and chairman of Onitsha north local government, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, further emphasises 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.”

Anionwu noted that Azuka’s murder is the second high-profile killing in the state within the past four months.

The traditional ruler, who decried the circulation of a video of one of the suspects alongside the remains of the lawmaker online, urged security operatives to focus on ensuring that justice is served while further crime is prevented.

He added that the council is worried by the lack of communication from the authorities to the public and the family of the deceased, as well as the speed of response from security operatives.

He added that the late lawmaker’s legacy would inspire the council to work towards a safer and more secure Onitsha.

The lawmaker will be laid to rest on February 15.