Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week in response to heightened security concerns surrounding the upcoming burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. The decision follows escalating tensions and threats from non-state actors, who had previously warned that violence would erupt if certain unresolved issues were not addressed before the funeral.
The situation grew more alarming when gunmen launched an attack in Nnewi on Wednesday night, killing several individuals and setting a vehicle on fire. The attack, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., sparked panic among residents, leading many to flee for safety.
The burial of Senator Ubah is scheduled for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi, and the state government issued an official circular on Thursday, instructing all principals in the Nnewi zone to keep schools closed until Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Parents of day students were also advised to keep their children at home for their safety.
The circular, sent through WhatsApp, emphasized the importance of ensuring students do not wander the streets in their school uniforms during the closure, urging principals to communicate with parents to ensure the safety of all students.
Police Deny Connection Between Attack and Burial
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has refuted claims linking the recent killings in Nnewi to the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. In a statement issued Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, clarified that the attack was not carried out by non-state actors as initially speculated.
Ikenga explained that the violence was the result of a gunfight between security personnel and a suspect at a security checkpoint. During the exchange, bullets struck the fuel tank of a police vehicle, which subsequently caught fire. Two innocent bystanders were injured in the crossfire and are currently receiving medical attention.
The police assured the public that the security forces, including the Joint Security Forces (JSF), have been deployed to Nnewi to ensure peace and safety during the burial. They urged residents to remain calm and allow ongoing investigations into the incident to proceed.
