- In a circular sent via WhatsApp, the state’s Ministry of Education instructed all school principals in the Nnewi zone to close their institutions until Tuesday next week, prioritising student safety
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi and its surrounding areas for one week amid fears of potential attacks during the burial of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
The directive was issued on Thursday following a gunmen attack in Nnewi on Wednesday night that left several people dead and a vehicle set ablaze. The violence, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., caused widespread panic as residents fled for safety.
In a circular sent via WhatsApp, the state’s Ministry of Education instructed all school principals in the Nnewi zone to close their institutions until Tuesday next week, prioritising student safety. Parents of day students were also advised to keep their children at home.
The burial is scheduled for Friday in Umuanuka village, Otolo Nnewi.
The circular reads:
“Good morning Parents, please the above information is from the Commissioner of Education. Day students should not come to school till Tuesday next week.
“I am directed to inform you to close all schools in Nnewi Zone on Thursday, 21st November 2024, and Friday, 22nd November 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 Anambra State government said the measures were taken to ensure the safety of students and residents during this period of heightened tension.