Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the closure of schools in the Nnewi area of the state ahead of the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah, who died in July in London, will be buried on Friday, November 22 in Umuanuka village, Otolo, Nnewi.
The governor’s order followed tension in the area over alleged threats by non-state actors to cause trouble if the burial proceeds without addressing certain unresolved issues.
Reports alleged that gunmen attacked Nnewi on Wednesday night.
However, the state government issued a circular on Thursday via WhatsApp, instructing all principals to close schools in the Nnewi zone until 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 !!!” the circular read.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command dismissed claims that the recent gunshots in Nnewi were connected to Ubah’s burial.
In a statement on Thursday, the police public relations officer Tochukwu Ikenga 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.”
