Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo has directed schools in the Nnewi zone to close for a week due to rising security concerns surrounding the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Reports suggest that certain groups had earlier issued threats to disrupt the state if unresolved issues related to the burial were not addressed.
The tension escalated on Wednesday evening when gunmen attacked Nnewi, leaving several people dead and a vehicle burned.
The incident, which happened around 7:30 p.m., caused panic as residents fled for safety.
With the burial scheduled for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi, the Anambra state government issued a directive on Thursday through WhatsApp, instructing principals to shut down schools in the zone until Tuesday.
Governor Soludo also advised parents of day students to keep their children at home for their safety.
The notice to principals 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 !!!”
“Good morning Parents, please the above information is from the Commissioner of Education, day students should not come to school till Tuesday next week,” it added.
Police Address Concerns About Nnewi Violence
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has denied any connection between the recent violence in Nnewi and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s burial.
Police spokesperson, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga clarified that the attack was not carried out by non-state actors, as rumored.
According to him, a confrontation occurred when security operatives were pursuing a suspect near a checkpoint.
“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
Ikenga emphasized that the incident was unrelated to attempts to disrupt the burial of Ifeanyi Ubah.
He assured the public that the Joint Security Forces (JSF) had been deployed to maintain order and protect residents and visitors during the ceremonies.
The police urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue.
KanyiDaily recalls that Ifeanyi Ubah died in a London hospital on July 27 after he flew to the United Kingdom due to serious illness.
