The Abia State Police Command has formally dismissed reports alleging that a bomb or explosive device was recovered from a church premises in Aba, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading. The clarification follows widespread public concern triggered by earlier reports of a suspected bomb discovery in the commercial city.
According to the Police, thorough investigations were immediately carried out through the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area where the incident reportedly occurred. Findings from the assessment, the Command said, confirmed that no bomb, improvised explosive device, or any form of dangerous material was discovered at the location.
Police authorities explained that the controversy stemmed from an ongoing road reconstruction project being executed by the Abia State Government. The church involved was said to have encroached on the road corridor and was officially directed to move its structure slightly backward to allow smooth continuation of the project.
The Command noted that the directive was not complied with, prompting the intervention of military personnel to enforce compliance. During the adjustment of the structure, an iron rod forming part of a pillar within the church building was removed, a development that was allegedly misconstrued by onlookers as the recovery of an explosive device.
Emphasising its role as the lead internal security agency, the Police assured residents that there was no cause for alarm. The Command reiterated that officers remain vigilant, proactive, and strategically deployed across Abia State to safeguard lives and property.
The clarification was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command. She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to transparency and timely communication, particularly on issues capable of causing public panic.
>Also read: SUSPECTED BOMB DISCOVERED AT CHIURCH IN ABA, DISASTER AVERTED
Meanwhile, the Police explanation comes against the backdrop of an initial publication by National Concord, which reported the incident as a suspected bomb discovery at an Aba church, citing eyewitness accounts at the scene.
