Soludo Orders School Closures in Anambra for Senator Ubah’s Funeral

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of schools in the Nnewi zone for a week to prevent potential violence during the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

The decision follows escalating tension after gunmen attacked Nnewi on Wednesday night, leaving several dead and setting a vehicle ablaze.

The attack, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., caused panic, forcing residents to flee their homes. Ahead of Friday’s burial in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi, a circular from the state’s education commissioner directed school principals to shut down until Tuesday.

Parents were also urged to keep their children at home for safety. “Try your best to find proper channels of reaching these students so they would not be found wandering on the streets with their school uniforms,” the directive read.

Amid speculation that non-state actors were targeting the burial, the Anambra Police Command dismissed any link between the killings and Senator Ubah’s funeral.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga clarified that the gunfire ensued as security forces trailed a suspect.

“Unfortunately, bullets hit the fuel tank of a Toyota Venza Sedan carrying police personnel, causing it to catch fire. Two innocent bystanders were injured and are receiving medical attention,” Ikenga explained.

The Joint Security Forces (JSF) have been deployed to Nnewi to ensure security during the burial. The police urged residents to remain calm and promised thorough investigations.

Despite the reassurances, the closures reflect the state government’s caution amid rising tensions.