Police Clarify Bomb Scare at Abia Church, Cite Road Project Encroachment
The Abia State Police Command has officially refuted widespread reports circulating on social media about the discovery of a bomb at the United Evangelical Church in Ehere/Umuola, Ogbor Hill, Aba. In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, February 3, police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka confirmed that thorough investigations revealed no evidence of any explosive device at the location.
Thorough Investigation Finds No Explosive Device
According to official police communications, security agents conducted comprehensive investigations through the Divisional Police Officer covering the area. Chinaka stated authoritatively that no bomb or explosive was recovered from the church premises, with the Command's investigations clearly affirming this conclusion.
Road Reconstruction Project Identified as Actual Cause
The incident has been linked to an ongoing road reconstruction project initiated by the Abia State Government. Investigations revealed that the church structure had encroached on the designated road corridor, prompting authorities to direct the church to adjust its building to create necessary space for the infrastructure project.
Military Intervention and Iron Rod Removal
When the church failed to comply with the adjustment directive, military personnel intervened to ensure compliance with the road project requirements. During this intervention process, military personnel removed an iron rod that was part of a pillar supporting the church structure being adjusted. The police have emphasized that this object was mistakenly identified as an explosive device, clarifying that it was simply construction material and not any form of bomb.
Police authorities have further confirmed that no explosive device was recovered anywhere in Aba during or after this incident, putting to rest concerns about potential security threats in the area.
Police Commissioner Addresses Professional Conduct
In related developments, Abia State Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa has addressed officers serving in the Command regarding professional conduct. During a strategic conference at the Police Officers Mess in Umuahia, CP Isa advised all personnel to strictly adhere to laws and regulations governing the Nigeria Police Force, with particular attention to the NPF social media policy.
The Commissioner cited a recent case in the Delta State Command where a sergeant was reduced in rank for breaching social media protocols. CP Isa also cautioned officers against involvement in political or party-related activities, reiterating that police personnel must maintain neutrality in all circumstances.
Addressing officers of Inspector rank and below, the Commissioner encouraged exemplary conduct and warned against any behavior that could bring disrepute to the Command or the Nigeria Police Force as an institution.
Context of Previous False Reports in Abia
This incident follows previous instances of false reports circulating about Abia State. Recently, the state government had to quash viral claims that the Osisioma Flyover on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway had collapsed, allegedly killing 19 people. Government officials identified these reports as originating from AI-generated videos created by malicious actors attempting to tarnish the state's image.
The police response to the church incident demonstrates the importance of verifying information through official channels before spreading potentially alarming reports, particularly in an era where digital misinformation can spread rapidly across social media platforms.
