The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of all schools in Nnewi for one week ahead of the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ebubechukwu Uzo Ubah.
The order is coming on reports of non-state actors threatening to disrupt the burial of the late lawmaker in the State.
Recall that there have been viral videos trending on social media by unidentified groups and persons threatening to disrupt the burial.
Some of the video have those who posted threatening that Ubah’s burial will not hold without addressing certain unresolved issues.
According to reports, the tension heightened on Wednesday night when gunmen attacked Nnewi. They were said to have killed several people and torching a vehicle.
Though unconfirmed, the report stated that the incident, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., sparked panic. With residents fleeing for safety.
The burial of the late Senator has been scheduled for Friday, November 22, in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi. However, giving the rising tension of violence in the area, the State Government on Thursday issued a circular via WhatsApp. It instructed all principals to close schools in the Nnewi zone until Tuesday next week
The directive also warned parents of day students 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 !!!”
However, the Anambra State Police Command has dismissed reports that the recent shooting and killings in Nnewi were connected to the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
This was contained in a statement on Thursday, by the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga. He clarified that the attackers were not non-state actors, as speculated.
The PPRO added that the Joint Security Forces (JSF) had been deployed to Nnewi to maintain peace. He, therefore, assured the safety of residents and visitors during the burial ceremonies.
The statement read, “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
He informed that the Command maintained that the attack was not an attempt to disrupt the burial ceremonies of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
The PPRO, therefore, urged the public to remain calm and allow investigations into the incident to proceed.
source: The Nation
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