Soludo Orders Schools’ Closure as Gunmen Threaten Violence During Ubah’s Burial

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka 

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week. 

This followed threats by separatist elements who vowed to attack those who visit the town for the burial of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

This is also coming as after a violent clash on Wednesday night, where security operatives were said to have engaged gunmen, leading to the burning of an SUV said to belong to the group.

In a circular shared through school WhatsApp groups and said to emanate from the ministry of education in the state, school principals were urged to communicate the closure to parents and caution against students wandering in school uniforms during this period.

The message read: “Good morning 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.”

Though THISDAY was unable to reach the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, a school manager said the circular was authentic, and was from the state government.

Meanwhile, police in Anambra have clarified the Wednesday night’s shooting incident in Nnewi, saying it was not a case of attack, and was not related to plans by separatists to stop people from attending Ubah’s burial.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press release, stated the incident was rather an attack by security operatives, who mistook police personnel for non-state actors, leading to the exchange of gunfire.

He said: “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.”

The police assured the public that the situation was under control and that the attack was not an attempt to disrupt the burial ceremonies of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

The remains of Ubah would be buried in his country home in Nnewi today, and is expected to attract a lot of dignitaries to the state.