Abia Police Command Dismisses False Reports of Church Bomb Discovery
The Abia State Police Command has issued a strong denial regarding circulating reports that claimed a bomb or improvised explosive device was found at the United Evangelical Church located in Ehere/Umuola, Ogbor Hill area of Aba. Police authorities have labeled these reports as completely false and dangerously misleading, aiming to correct the public record and prevent unnecessary panic among residents.
Official Police Statement Clarifies the Situation
In an official statement released on Tuesday, February 3, the Command's Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, provided detailed clarification about the incident. She confirmed that thorough investigations were conducted through the Divisional Police Officer responsible for the Ogbor Hill area, with all findings conclusively showing no evidence whatsoever of any explosive device at the church premises or surrounding locations.
"I can authoritatively confirm that no bomb or explosive was recovered from the said area," Chinaka stated emphatically. "Investigations conducted by the Command have clearly affirmed this fact. The reports circulating are entirely baseless and do not reflect the reality of what occurred."
Actual Incident Linked to Road Reconstruction Project
According to the police explanation, the actual incident was connected to an ongoing road reconstruction project being executed by the Abia State Government. The United Evangelical Church was identified as having encroached on the designated road corridor, and authorities had directed the church to adjust its physical structure to create necessary space for the infrastructure development.
When the church did not comply with the adjustment directive within the specified timeframe, military personnel reportedly intervened to enforce compliance with the government order. During this enforcement action, an iron rod that formed part of a structural pillar in the church building was removed by the military team.
The police stressed that this removed object was simply construction material—an iron rod—and not any form of explosive device, bomb, or dangerous weapon. The Command further emphasized that no explosive device was recovered anywhere in Aba city during this period.
Background of the False Alarm
The police clarification came in response to reports that emerged on Monday, February 2, alleging a bomb scare at the United Evangelical Church. These initial reports claimed that more than 100 deaths were narrowly averted after a purported explosive device was discovered and safely evacuated by military personnel.
Additional details in the false reports suggested that church members were digging around the fence area near the parsonage when they uncovered a large metal object. According to the unverified claims, one member allegedly took this object to a nearby borehole before the priest raised an alarm, suspecting it might be a bomb.
The police have now completely dismissed all these claims, maintaining that the entire incident was related to routine road project enforcement and involved no explosive materials whatsoever.
Police Reassurance to Abia Residents
Chinaka used the opportunity to reassure Abia State residents about their security, emphasizing that the police, as the lead internal security agency in Nigeria, remain vigilant in protecting lives and property across all communities in the state.
She noted that police officers are active, alert, and strategically deployed in various locations throughout Abia State to maintain public safety and respond promptly to any genuine security concerns. The police spokesperson encouraged residents to rely on official channels for accurate information and to avoid spreading unverified reports that could cause unnecessary fear and anxiety.
The Command's swift response to clarify this incident demonstrates their commitment to transparency and maintaining public trust, while also highlighting the importance of verifying information before sharing potentially alarming reports.
