The caucus called for urgent government action to curb insecurity and prevent further loss of lives.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – The Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North State Constituency.
Azuka, who was kidnapped on Christmas Eve, November 24, 2024, at about 9 p.m. in the Ugwunakpamkpa area of Onitsha, was found dead on Wednesday, February 5. His decomposing body was recovered near the 2nd Niger Bridge.
Reacting to the incident, the leader of the LP Caucus in the House of Representatives and member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, described the lawmaker’s killing as “horrendous, heart-rending, and a big blow to the Labour Party and the legislature.”
Ogene recalled that in January, he had called on Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to take urgent and decisive action to secure Azuka’s release and address the rising insecurity in the state. He lamented that Anambra had become notorious for kidnappings and killings, leaving residents in fear.
The LP caucus members extended their condolences to Azuka’s family, particularly his wife and children, who have been thrown into deep sorrow.
Hon. Ogene decried the level of insecurity in Anambra, questioning how the government intends to reassure citizens amid increasing violence.
“How do you explain this act of wickedness? How do you comfort Hon. Azuka’s young wife that her husband will never return home? What do you tell the children when they grow up?” he asked.
The caucus called for urgent government action to curb insecurity and prevent further loss of lives. Ogene commended Governor Soludo’s recent launch of the Agunachemba security outfit but stressed the need for more decisive measures, including the deployment of technology in crime-fighting.
“For instance, how many drones does the state have in its crime-fighting arsenal? Does the state operate a command and control centre? Are the state’s vigilante services properly motivated in the battle against kidnappers and other criminals?” he queried.
Ogene also cited a recent failed kidnap attempt on a serving local government chairman, whose vehicle was riddled with bullets in Onitsha, as further evidence of the growing insecurity.
The caucus prayed for the repose of Hon. Azuka’s soul and urged the government to take stronger action to protect the people of Anambra State.