Anambra Governor, Soludo orders closure of schools ahead of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s burial in the state

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the temporary closure of schools in the Nnewi zone due to heightened security concerns surrounding the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, set to take place on Friday in his hometown, Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi.

The decision follows threats from non-state actors and a violent attack on Wednesday night when gunmen killed several individuals and set a vehicle ablaze, causing panic in the area. In response, the state government directed schools in the zone to close from Thursday through Tuesday, urging parents to keep children at home and warning against students loitering in uniforms.

The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed claims linking the attack to the burial. According to Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident was a confrontation at a security checkpoint while officers pursued a suspect. Two bystanders were injured, and a vehicle was set ablaze during the exchange.

The police assured residents of heightened security, with Joint Security Forces deployed to ensure peace during the burial and in the Nnewi area.