(Last Updated On: )

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the closure of all schools in Nnewi for one week following threats by separatist groups to attack those attending the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. The decision comes in the wake of a violent clash on Wednesday night between security forces and gunmen, which resulted in an SUV belonging to the separatists being set ablaze.
The state ministry of education issued a circular to school principals via WhatsApp groups, urging them to inform parents about the closures and advise students against wandering the streets in their uniforms during this period. The message, signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, 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.”
Although our correspondent was unable to reach Prof Chuma-Udeh for comment, a school manager confirmed the authenticity of the circular and its origin from the state government.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has clarified that Wednesday night’s shooting in Nnewi was not an attack by the separatists, nor was it related to their plans to disrupt Senator Ubah’s burial. According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the incident was a case of mistaken identity, with security operatives exchanging fire with police personnel they mistook for non-state actors.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the security operatives were trailing a suspect when the gun duel ensued at a security checkpoint,” Ikenga said in a press release.
“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 is under control and that the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s burial ceremonies, scheduled for Friday in his hometown of Nnewi, will proceed as planned. The event is expected to attract numerous dignitaries from across the state and beyond.
The post Soludo Shuts Schools In Nnewi Amid Threats Of Violence Over Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s Burial appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.