THE Abia State Police Command has dismissed widespread reports alleging that a bomb or Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was discovered at the United Evangelical Church in Ehere/Umuola, Ogbor Hill area of Aba, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In an official statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Tuesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said a thorough investigation conducted by officers, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area, found no evidence whatsoever of any explosive device at the church premises or anywhere in Aba.
“I can authoritatively confirm that no bomb or explosive was recovered from the said area,” Chinaka stated.
“Investigations conducted by the Command have clearly affirmed this.”
According to the police, the incident that sparked public anxiety was linked to an ongoing road reconstruction project being executed by the Abia State Government in the Ogbor Hill axis of Aba.
The Command explained that the church structure had encroached into the designated road corridor and was earlier directed to make adjustments to allow smooth execution of the project. When the directive was reportedly not complied with, military personnel were called in to enforce compliance.
During the adjustment process, an iron rod, which formed part of a pillar supporting the church structure, was removed by the military. The police clarified that the object was mistakenly assumed to be a bomb, triggering panic and the subsequent spread of alarming reports on social media.
“The object in question was an iron rod removed from a pillar during structural adjustment,” the statement said.
“It was not a bomb, IED, or any form of explosive.”
The police further stressed that no explosive device was recovered anywhere in Aba, contrary to claims that a major disaster had been averted.
Earlier reports circulating online had alleged that a bomb scare at the church potentially saved over 100 lives, with claims that a suspicious metal object uncovered near the church fence was evacuated by the military.
Some reports also claimed that church members discovered the object while digging near the parsonage, moved it close to a borehole, and raised alarm after suspecting it was an explosive device.
However, the police said these claims were unfounded and inaccurate, urging residents to disregard misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.
Reassuring the public, the Abia State Police Command said it remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
“As the lead internal security agency, the Command remains vigilant. Our officers are active, alert, and strategically deployed across Abia State to ensure public safety,” Chinaka added.
The Command also advised members of the public to verify sensitive security-related information through official channels before spreading unconfirmed reports.