Abia police debunk claim of bomb being found in a church

The Abia State Police Command has denied reports claiming that a bomb or improvised explosive device was recovered at the United Evangelical Church in Ehere/Umuola, Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State.

The police described the reports as false and misleading. In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 3, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, said thorough investigations had been carried out through the Divisional Police Officer responsible for the area, with no evidence found to support claims of an explosive device.

“I can authoritatively confirm that no bomb or explosive was recovered from the said area,” Chinaka said. “Investigations conducted by the Command have clearly affirmed this.”

According to the police, the incident was linked to an ongoing road reconstruction project being carried out by the Abia State Government. The United Evangelical Church was said to have encroached on the road corridor and was directed to adjust its structure to create space for the project.

When the directive was not complied with, the military reportedly intervened to enforce compliance.

During the adjustment process, an iron rod, which formed part of a pillar in the church structure, was removed by military personnel.

The police stressed that the object removed was not a bomb or any form of explosive. The Command added that no explosive device was recovered anywhere in Aba.

Chinaka reassured residents that the police, as the lead internal security agency, remain vigilant in protecting lives and property across the state. She noted that officers are active, alert, and strategically deployed in various locations.

The clarification followed reports on Monday, February 2, of an alleged bomb scare at the church, with claims that more than 100 deaths were averted after a purported explosive device was discovered and evacuated by the military.

It was further alleged that church members were digging around the fence area near the parsonage when they uncovered a large metal object. One of the members was said to have taken the object to a nearby borehole before the priest reportedly raised an alarm, suspecting it to be a bomb.

The police have now dismissed those claims, insisting that no explosive device was involved in the incident.