The Abia State Police Command has debunked reports of an alleged bomb or explosive discovery in Aba.
Tension had erupted in Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, after church members of the United Evangelical Church, Ehere/Umuola, discovered a large metal object suspected to be a bomb while digging for a new perimeter fence.
The object was unearthed during routine construction work and unknowingly moved closer to a borehole before the priest raised alarm, ordered an evacuation, and alerted security authorities. Soldiers later arrived and safely evacuated the suspected explosive, averting what residents described as a potential mass casualty incident that could have claimed over 100 lives due to the area’s heavy daily human traffic.
Eyewitnesses linked the discovery to ongoing road expansion works by the state government, which prompted the church to dismantle its old fence. Residents, traders, and sympathisers expressed relief and gratitude that the device did not explode.
The Secretary of the Aba Area Conference of the United Evangelical Church, Rev. Thompson Ikpeoha, confirmed the incident, noting that full details were still unclear.
However, Maureen Chinaka, Abia Police Command spokesperson while speaking exclusively with SaharaReporters on Tuesday said investigations confirmed that no explosive device was recovered anywhere in the commercial city.
“I can authoritatively confirm to you that no bomb or explosive was recovered from anywhere in Aba. Yes, thorough investigation conducted through the Divisional Police Officer covering that area has also affirmed it,” Chinaka said.
According to police spokesperson, the scare was triggered by an incident involving a church that had encroached on a road currently undergoing reconstruction by the Abia State Government.
“However, what led to all of this story is that there was actually a church which had encroached on the road currently being reconstructed by government,” she stated.
The church, the police explained, was directed to move back slightly to allow space for the ongoing road project but failed to comply with the directive despite repeated notices.
“The refusal to comply prompted the intervention of the military to ensure enforcement,” the source said.
According to her, during the operation, an iron rod forming part of the church’s structure was removed as adjustments were made to clear the road alignment. She noted that the object was mistaken for an explosive, leading to widespread speculation and panic.
“There was nothing resembling a bomb or explosive recovered in that area or anywhere in Aba,” the police stressed.
Reassuring residents, the police said they remain on high alert across the state.
“As the lead internal security agency, the police remain vigilant in the protection of lives and property. Our officers are active, alert, and strategically deployed across Abia State to ensure the maintenance of safety and security,” the command said.
