Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week. This is following threats by separatist elements who vowed to attack those who visit the town for the burial of Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
This is 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 state ministry of education, 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 state Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, a school manager said the circular is authentic, and was from the state government.
Meanwhile, police in Anambra has clarified about 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 the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press release said 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 is 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 on Friday, and is expected to attract lots of dignitaries to the state.
David-Chyddy Eleke
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