The Labour Party (LP) has condemned the abduction and murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a lawmaker in Anambra State, stating that the incident reflects Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s failure to uphold law and order.
The party’s national leadership made this assertion while reacting to the killing of Azuka, who represented Onitsha 1 North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly under the LP platform.
Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, by armed men while returning home via Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha. His decomposed body was later discovered near the 2nd Niger Bridge on Wednesday.
Reacting to the tragic event, LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh lamented the deteriorating security situation in Anambra, describing the state as lawless and unsafe under Soludo’s administration.
“Anambra has become a war zone where life has turned nasty, brutish, and short due to the government’s inability to enforce law and order,” Ifoh stated.
He also recalled the unresolved abduction of Obiora Agbasimelo, the LP candidate in the last gubernatorial election, who was kidnapped while campaigning, with no trace of his whereabouts to date.
“It is deeply troubling that a legislator could be held captive for over a month without any meaningful intervention from the government,” Ifoh said, emphasizing that the fundamental duty of any government is to ensure the safety and well-being of its people.
While acknowledging reports of arrests made by the police, Ifoh called for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible. He clarified that the party was not implying political motives but noted the circumstances surrounding Azuka’s legal battle to reclaim his mandate after a court ruling overturned a previous election result.
The LP urged its members in Anambra to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their investigation.
“On behalf of our National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, the National Executive Committee, and the state leadership, we pray for the repose of the deceased’s soul and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” Ifoh concluded.