Anambra Lawmaker’s Kidnapping Sparks Outrage, Soludo Criticised For Inaction

By Chuks Eke

Awka, Anambra State – The Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned the continued kidnapping of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North constituency.

Azuka was abducted on Christmas Eve while returning home. The Caucus accuses Anambra State’s government of inaction and silence in the face of the crisis.

Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, the LP Caucus Leader and representative for the Ogbaru Federal Constituency, issued a strongly worded statement yesterday, expressing concern about the situation. He described the government’s response as “alarming and disheartening,” and urged Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to take immediate action to secure Azuka’s release.

Ogene went on to criticise Azuka’s colleagues in the state assembly, saying, “Even more repugnant is the criminal silence of Hon. Azuka’s colleagues in not holding the state government accountable.”

The abduction occurred shortly after Azuka regained his mandate following an election petition tribunal ruling that overturned Hon. Douglas Egbuna’s victory as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.

Ogene painted a bleak picture of Anambra State’s escalating insecurity, calling it a “killing field” where kidnappings and murders are common.

He stated that reported crimes account for only a small portion of the state’s overall insecurity.

He highlighted the horrific experiences of kidnap survivors, emphasising the government’s responsibility to ensure citizens’ safety and well-being.

While acknowledging recent efforts such as Operation Udo Gachi and Agunachemba, Ogene questioned the government’s delayed response, stating,

“One wonders why it took the state government more than two years to become serious about addressing the insecurity choking the state.”

He concluded by urging the government to prioritise the safety of people and property and to take decisive action to restore peace and order in Anambra state.