JUST IN: Nigerian Government Orders Closure Of Schools
In response to growing concerns over possible violence during the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week.
Reports suggest that non-state actors had earlier issued threats to disrupt the state if certain unresolved issues were not addressed before the burial.
Tensions heightened on Wednesday night when gunmen launched a deadly attack in Nnewi, killing several people and setting a vehicle ablaze. The attack, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., caused widespread panic as residents fled for safety.
The burial is scheduled for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi. In a bid to ensure safety, the state government issued a circular on Thursday through WhatsApp, instructing school principals in the Nnewi zone to suspend classes until Tuesday next week.
Parents of day students were also urged to keep their children at home during this period.
“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.
