In light of concerns over potential violence during the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for one week.
The decision follows threats from non-state actors who had warned of unrest if the burial proceeded without addressing certain unresolved issues.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday night when gunmen attacked Nnewi, killing multiple people and setting a vehicle on fire.
The violence, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., triggered widespread fear, prompting many residents to flee for safety.
With the burial set for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi, the state government issued a circular on Thursday via WhatsApp instructing all school principals in the Nnewi area to suspend classes until Tuesday. Additionally, parents of day students have been urged to keep their children at home to ensure their 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 !!!”
The Anambra State Police Command has rejected claims suggesting a connection between the recent killings in Nnewi and the upcoming burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
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In a statement issued on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, clarified that the attackers were not non-state actors, as had been previously speculated.
He also confirmed that the Joint Security Forces (JSF) had been deployed to Nnewi to ensure peace and safeguard both 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 police command emphasized that the attack was not aimed at disrupting the burial ceremonies of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
It also called on the public to remain calm and allow the ongoing investigation into the incident to unfold.
