Kehinde Fajobi
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week due to security concerns surrounding the burial of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, scheduled for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi.
The directive, issued on Thursday via a circular from the state’s Ministry of Education, advised principals to ensure schools remain closed and parents to keep their children at home until Tuesday next week. The circular read:
“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 move follows rising tensions in Nnewi, where gunmen attacked on Wednesday night, killing several people and torching a vehicle.
The attack, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., caused widespread panic, with residents fleeing for safety.
In response to speculations linking the attack to Ubah’s burial, the Anambra State Police Command clarified that the violence was unrelated to the ceremony.
Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, said on Thursday, “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 added that the attackers were not non-state actors as speculated and assured the public that Joint Security Forces (JSF) had been deployed to Nnewi to maintain peace during the burial.
“The command maintains that the attack was not an attempt to disrupt the burial ceremonies of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. We urge the public to remain calm and allow investigations into the incident to proceed,” Ikenga said.
The state government’s precautionary measures aim to ensure safety for residents and visitors amid heightened tensions.