Concerns over possible violence during the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah have prompted Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to close schools in Nnewi for a week.
Reports indicate that non-state actors had previously threatened to disrupt the state if Ubah’s burial proceeded without addressing certain unresolved issues.
The tension escalated on Wednesday night when gunmen attacked Nnewi, killing several people and torching a vehicle.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., sparked panic, with residents fleeing for safety.
With the burial scheduled for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi, the state government issued a circular on Thursday via WhatsApp, instructing all principals to close schools in the Nnewi zone until Tuesday next week.
Parents of day students have also been advised to keep their children at home for safety.
“Good morning Parents, please the above information is from the Commissioner of Education, day students should not come to school till Tuesday next week.
“Good evening Noble Principals!!!
I am directed to inform you to close all schools in Nnewi Zone on Thursday 21/11/2024 and Friday 22/11/2024.
“Please circulate this information on your school WhatsApp groups and inform parents of your students.
“Try your best to find proper channels of reaching these students so that they would not be found wandering on the streets with their school uniforms . Remain blessed and stay safe !!!”
Anambra Police Deny Link Between Nnewi Killings and Senator Ubah’s Burial
However, the Anambra State Police Command dismissed claims that the recent shooting and killings in Nnewi were connected to the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
In a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, clarified that the attackers were not non-state actors, as speculated.
Ikenga added that the Joint Security Forces (JSF) had been deployed to Nnewi to maintain peace and ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the burial ceremonies.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the security operatives were trailing a suspect when the gun duel ensued at a security checkpoint
“Unfortunately, bullets hit the fuel tank of a Toyota Venza Sedan carrying the police personnel, causing it to catch fire.
” Two innocent bystanders were injured in the crossfire and are currently receiving medical attention.” Ikenga said
The command maintained that the attack was not an attempt to disrupt the burial ceremonies of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
The command also urged the public to remain calm and allow investigations into the incident to proceed.
