Gunshots Near Ifeanyi Ubah’s Burial Site: Anambra Police Clear the Air

In the hours leading up to the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the Anambra State Police Command has addressed the intense gunfire incident that occurred in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday evening. The shooting, which took place near the Ifeanyi Ubah Club House, led to significant panic as a vehicle was set ablaze, and reports emerged of individuals struck by stray bullets. The situation raised fears of a potential threat to the burial ceremonies scheduled to begin in the senator’s hometown on Thursday.

Speculations quickly spread among residents, with many attributing the gunfire to unknown gunmen allegedly intent on disrupting the burial. Videos from the scene showing two lifeless bodies further fueled concerns, while some eyewitness accounts suggested that military operatives might have been involved.

In a statement released late Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, clarified the incident, explaining that it stemmed from a misunderstanding among security operatives. Tochukwu confirmed that the shooting was unrelated to the late senator’s burial and was not the work of non-state actors.

According to the statement, the gunfire erupted when some security operatives mistook police officers for hostile forces during an operation. In the ensuing chaos, gunshots hit the fuel tank of a Toyota Venza sedan, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Two innocent bystanders sustained injuries and were promptly taken to the hospital.

“The Command is aware of the shooting incident that took place at the Izuchukwu Junction, Nnobi/Nnewi Road by 7 pm on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, where security operatives mistook police operatives as unfriendly forces and opened fire at them,” Tochukwu stated. He emphasized that the event had no connection to attempts to disrupt Senator Ubah’s burial.

Preliminary findings revealed that security personnel were pursuing a suspect when the clash occurred near a checkpoint. Tochukwu assured the public that the command is investigating the incident thoroughly and has deployed joint security forces to ensure peace in Nnewi throughout the burial proceedings.

The late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah represented the Anambra South Senatorial Zone and was widely regarded for his contributions to the state. His burial is expected to draw significant attention and participation from across the country.