Fears of potential violence surrounding the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah have led Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to close all schools in Nnewi for a week.
AFRIPOST gathered that certain non-state actors previously issued warnings about disrupting the state if unresolved issues were not addressed before Ubah’s funeral.
Tensions increased on Wednesday night when gunmen attacked Nnewi, killing multiple individuals and setting a vehicle on fire, creating panic and forcing residents to flee.
With the burial set for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi, the state government issued a notice on Thursday via WhatsApp to principals.
The notice ordered schools in the Nnewi area to remain closed until the following Tuesday.
Parents of day students were also advised to keep their children at home for safety.
The message circulated to parents read, “Good morning, Parents; please the above information is from the Commissioner of Education. Day students should remain home until Tuesday next week.”
In a separate statement, the Anambra State Police Command refuted claims linking the recent violence in Nnewi to Ubah’s burial.
Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga clarified on Thursday that the assailants were not associated with non-state actors as rumoured.
Ikenga explained that the shooting happened when security operatives were pursuing a suspect at a checkpoint, leading to a confrontation.
During the incident, a bullet hit the fuel tank of a police Toyota Venza sedan, causing it to ignite. Two bystanders were caught in the crossfire and are currently receiving treatment.
The police command assured the public that the attack had no connection to Senator Ubah’s burial and urged residents to stay calm as investigations continue.
Joint Security Forces (JSF) have been deployed to Nnewi to maintain order and ensure the safety of attendees at the burial ceremony.