Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week over the burial ceremony of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
The lawmaker, who represented the Anambra South Senatorial District died in July at the age of 52. A valedictory session was held in his honour on Tuesday at the upper chamber.
According to The Nation, the decision was made over concerns of possible violence chaos during the burial ceremony of the late senator.
Reports indicate that non-state actors had previously threatened to disrupt the state if Ubah’s burial proceeded without addressing certain unresolved issues.
The tension escalated on Wednesday night when gunmen attacked Nnewi, killing several people and torching a vehicle.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., sparked panic, with residents fleeing for safety.
With the burial scheduled for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi, the state government issued a circular on Thursday via WhatsApp, instructing all principals to close schools in the Nnewi zone until Tuesday next week.
Parents of day students have also been advised to keep their children at home for 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 !!!”
Anambra Police Deny Link Between Nnewi Killings and Senator Ubah’s Burial
However, the Anambra State Police Command dismissed claims that the recent shooting and killings in Nnewi were connected to the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
In a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, clarified that the attackers were not non-state actors, as speculated.
Ikenga added that the Joint Security Forces (JSF) had been deployed to Nnewi to maintain peace and ensure the safety of 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 command maintained that the attack was not an attempt to disrupt the burial ceremonies of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
The command also urged the public to remain calm and allow investigations into the incident to proceed.
Receive Alerts On:
Facebook: METRODAILYNG Twitter: @METRODAILYNG
REACH THE RIGHT PEOPLE AT THE RIGHT TIME WITH METRO DAILY NIGERIA. TRY AND ADVERTISE ANY KIND OF YOUR BUSINESS TO USERS ONLINE TODAY. KINDLY CONTACT US FOR YOUR ADVERTS OR PUBLICATIONS @ METRODAILYNG@GMAIL.COM or 08077778839. OR VISIT US AT OUR OFFICE AT
PLOT 273 REINSURANCE BUILDING
HERBERT MACAULAY WAY
2ND FLOOR, C WING, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD)
ABUJA – FCT.