Soludo orders closure of schools in Anambra ahead of Sen Ubah’s burial
Anambra Governor Shuts Nnewi Schools Over Security Concerns Ahead of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s Burial
Amid fears of possible violence during the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of schools in the Nnewi area for one week.
Reports suggest that non-state actors had previously issued threats to disrupt the state if unresolved issues surrounding the late senator were ignored. Tensions heightened on Wednesday night when gunmen attacked Nnewi, leaving several dead and setting a vehicle ablaze. The attack, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., caused widespread panic as residents fled for safety.
With the burial set for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi, the state government, through a circular shared on WhatsApp, directed all schools in the Nnewi zone to close from Thursday, November 21, to Tuesday, November 26. The directive also urged parents to keep day students at home for their safety.
The circular read in part:
“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!”
Police Dismiss Links Between Nnewi Attack and Burial Plans
The Anambra State Police Command, however, refuted claims that the recent killings in Nnewi were related to Senator Ubah’s burial.
In a statement issued Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga clarified that the attackers were not non-state actors as rumored. He explained that the incident occurred during a gunfight between security operatives and a suspect being trailed at 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 police personnel, causing it to catch fire. Two innocent bystanders were injured in the crossfire and are currently receiving medical attention,” Ikenga stated.
The police further assured the public that the Joint Security Forces (JSF) had been deployed to Nnewi to ensure safety during the burial ceremonies and called for calm while investigations continue.
